Illuminated signal device and speed detector for audio/video recording and communication devices

ABSTRACT

Illuminated signal devices and speed detectors for audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. In one embodiment, an illuminated signal device configured for capturing image data is provided, the device comprising a camera having a field of view, a communication module, and a processing module operatively connected to the camera and the communication module, the processing module comprising a processor, and a signal device application, wherein the signal device application configures the processor to detect motion within the field of view of the camera, capture image data in response to the detected motion using the camera, and transmit the image data to a backend server using the communication module.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/679,138, filed on Aug. 16, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Application Ser. No. 62/376,826, filed on Aug. 18, 2016. The entirecontents of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated byreference as if fully set forth.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present embodiments relate to audio/video (A/V) recording andcommunication devices, including A/V recording and communicationdoorbell systems. In particular, the present embodiments provide a speeddetector, which may be a standalone device or a component of anilluminated signal device in an A/V recording and communication system.

BACKGROUND

Home safety is a concern for many homeowners and renters. Those seekingto protect or monitor their homes often wish to have video and audiocommunications with visitors, for example, those visiting an externaldoor or entryway. Audio/Video (A/V) recording and communication devices,such as doorbells, provide this functionality, and can also aid in crimedetection and prevention. For example, audio and/or video captured by anA/V recording and communication device can be uploaded to the cloud andrecorded on a remote server. Subsequent review of the A/V footage canaid law enforcement in capturing perpetrators of home burglaries andother crimes. Further, the presence of one or more A/V recording andcommunication devices on the exterior of a home, such as a doorbell unitat the entrance to the home, acts as a powerful deterrent againstwould-be burglars.

SUMMARY

The various embodiments of the present illuminated signal device andspeed detector for audio/video (A/V) recording and communication deviceshave several features, no single one of which is solely responsible fortheir desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the presentembodiments as expressed by the claims that follow, their more prominentfeatures now will be discussed briefly. After considering thisdiscussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled“Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features of thepresent embodiments provide the advantages described herein.

One aspect of the present embodiments includes the realization that thecrime deterrent effect created by A/V recording and communicationdevices may correlate with the visibility of such devices. For example,a would-be perpetrator is more likely to be deterred from committing acrime by a security camera if he or she is aware of the security camera.Therefore, the crime deterrent value of A/V recording and communicationdevices may be enhanced by increasing their visibility. One way toincrease the visibility of an A/V recording and communication device iswith a sign that informs those who view it that the area around the signis within the field of view of one or more A/V recording andcommunication devices. In one non-limiting example, the presentilluminated sign can be placed anywhere outside a home or business, orany other premises protected by one or more A/V recording andcommunication devices, such as in a front yard or a back yard.

Another aspect of the present embodiments includes the realization thatA/V recording and communication devices may be less visible at night,when ambient light is typically lower or absent entirely. Therefore, asource of illumination would likely enhance the crime deterrent value ofa sign that informs those who view it that the area around the sign iswithin the field of view of one or more A/V recording and communicationdevices. Further, if the illuminated sign were motion activated, suchthat the sign lit up only when motion was detected, the suddenillumination of the sign would provide an additional deterrent effect bysurprising would-be perpetrators and likely scaring them off. Further,if the illuminated sign played audio when motion was detected, or inresponse to user intervention, or in response to signals received from ahome alarm/security system, the audio would provide an additionaldeterrent effect by surprising would-be perpetrators and likely scaringthem off.

Another aspect of the present embodiments includes the realization thatcars speeding through a neighborhood present a danger to every person inthat neighborhood. Therefore, one way to make neighborhoods safer is byreducing speeding. The present embodiments empower neighborhoodresidents to apply social pressure to problem speeders, therebyencouraging those speeders to alter their speeding behavior. Forexample, some of the present embodiments include a speed detector. Thespeed detector may be a standalone device, or may be integrated intoanother device, such as an illuminated signal device in an A/V recordingand communication system. Speed data from the speed detector, along withimage data (e.g., a photograph and/or a video) of the speeding car, maybe posted to a social network. The social network post may be seen byothers who live in the neighborhood where the photograph and/or video ofthe speeding car was taken. Those persons may then apply pressure to thespeeder, encouraging him or her not to speed through the neighborhoodanymore. Further, the social network post may provide a warning toothers who live in the neighborhood where the photograph and/or video ofthe speeding car was taken, encouraging those people who see the socialnetwork post to be watchful for the speeding car so that they are notendangered by the speeder in the future.

In a first aspect, an illuminated signal device for providing a warningmessage of a passing vehicle is provided, the device comprising a speeddetecting module, a communication module, and a processing moduleoperatively connected to the speed detecting module and thecommunication module, the processing module comprising a processor, anda speed detecting application, wherein the speed detecting applicationconfigures the processor to detect motion of the passing vehicle usingthe speed detecting module, obtain speed data of the passing vehicleusing the speed detecting module, and transmit the obtained speed datato a backend server, using the communication module, for providing thewarning message of the passing vehicle to at least one social network.

An embodiment of the first aspect further comprises a camera, whereinthe processing module is operatively connected to the camera.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed detectingapplication further configures the processor to obtain image data of thepassing vehicle using the camera.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed detectingapplication further configures the processor to transmit the obtainedimage data to the backend server using the communication module.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the illuminated signal deviceis in network communication with at least one other device having acamera.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed detectingapplication further configures the processor to transmit a first commandsignal to the at least one other device to obtain image data of thepassing vehicle.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed detectingapplication further configures the processor to receive the obtainedimage data from the at least one other device and transmit the obtainedimage data to the backend server using the communication module.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one other deviceis configured to transmit the obtained image data to the backend serverupon obtaining the image data.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed detectingapplication further configures the processor to transmit a secondcommand signal to the at least one other device to transmit the obtainedimage data to the backend server.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed detecting modulecomprises at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed detecting modulecomprises a radar device.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed detecting modulecomprises a lidar device.

Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises a power source,wherein the power source provides power to the illuminated signaldevice.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the power source comprises atleast one rechargeable battery.

Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises at least onesolar panel, wherein the at least one solar panel is configured tocharge the rechargeable battery.

Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises a front paneland an illumination source, wherein the illumination source isconfigured to illuminate the front panel to provide a warning that thearea adjacent the illuminated signal device is within a field of view ofan audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the illumination sourcecomprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed evenlyabout an interior perimeter of the illuminated signal device.

Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises a frame,wherein the frame is configured to receive at least one outer edge ofthe front panel.

Another embodiment of the first aspect further comprises a stakeconfigured to be driven into the ground and configured to providesupport to the frame.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the front panel and the framecomprise an interior space that contains and protects components of theilluminated signal device.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the speed detectingapplication further configures the processor to compare the obtainedspeed data to a threshold speed, and to transmit the obtained speed datato the backend server only when the obtained speed data indicates aspeed greater than the threshold speed.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the threshold speed is setusing a speed limit input from a user.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the threshold speed is setusing a geographic location of the illuminated signal device.

In a second aspect, a method for providing a warning message of apassing vehicle using an illuminated signal device is provided, themethod comprising detecting motion of the passing vehicle using a speeddetecting module, obtaining speed data of the passing vehicle using thespeed detecting module, and transmitting the obtained speed data to abackend server, using a communication module, for providing the warningmessage of the passing vehicle to at least one social network.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminated signal device isoperatively connected to the camera.

Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises obtainingimage data of the passing vehicle using the camera.

Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises transmittingthe obtained image data to the backend server using the communicationmodule.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminated signaldevice is in network communication with at least one other device.

Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises transmitting afirst command signal to the at least one other device to obtain imagedata of the passing vehicle.

Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises receiving theobtained image data from the at least one other device and transmittingthe obtained image data to the backend server using the communicationmodule.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the at least one otherdevice is configured to transmit the obtained image data to the backendserver upon obtaining the image data.

Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises transmitting asecond command signal to the at least one other device to transmit theobtained image data to the backend server.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the speed detecting modulecomprises at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the speed detecting modulecomprises a radar device.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the speed detecting modulecomprises a lidar device.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminated signaldevice further comprises a power source to provide power to theilluminated signal device.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the power source comprisesat least one rechargeable battery.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminated signaldevice further comprises at least one solar panel configured to chargethe rechargeable battery.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminate signal devicefurther comprises a front panel and an illumination source, wherein theillumination source is configured to illuminate the front panel toprovide a warning that the area adjacent the illuminated signal deviceis within a field of view of an audio/video (A/V) recording andcommunication device.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illumination sourcecomprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed evenlyabout an interior perimeter of the illuminated signal device.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminated signaldevice further comprises a frame configured to receive at least oneouter edge of the front panel.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the illuminated signaldevice further comprises a stake configured to be driven into the groundand provide support to the frame.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the front panel and theframe comprise an interior space that contains and protects componentsof the illuminated signal device.

Another embodiment of the second aspect further comprises comparing theobtained speed data to a threshold speed, and transmitting the obtainedspeed data to the backend server only when the obtained speed dataindicates a speed greater than a threshold speed.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the threshold speed is setusing a speed limit input from a user.

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the threshold speed is setusing a geographic location of the illuminated signal device.

In a third aspect, a speed detector for providing a warning message of apassing vehicle is provided, the speed detector comprising a speeddetecting module, a communication module, and a processing moduleoperatively connected to the speed detecting module and thecommunication module, the processing module comprising a processor, anda speed detecting application, wherein the speed detecting applicationconfigures the processor to detect motion of the passing vehicle usingthe speed detecting module, obtain speed data of the passing vehicleusing the speed detecting module, and transmit the obtained speed datato a backend server, using the communication module, for providing thewarning message of the passing vehicle to at least one social network.

Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises a camera,wherein the processing module is operatively connected to the camera.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed detectingapplication further configures the processor to obtain image data of thepassing vehicle using the camera.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed detectingapplication further configures the processor to transmit the obtainedimage data to the backend server using the communication module.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed detector is innetwork communication with at least one other device.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed detectingapplication further configures the processor to transmit a first commandsignal to the at least one other device to obtain image data of thepassing vehicle.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed detectingapplication further configures the processor to receive the obtainedimage data from the at least one other device and transmit the obtainedimage data to the backend server using the communication module.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the at least one other deviceis configured to transmit the obtained image data to the backend serverupon obtaining the image data.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed detectingapplication further configures the processor to transmit a secondcommand signal to the at least one other device to transmit the obtainedimage data to the backend server.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed detecting modulecomprises at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed detecting modulecomprises a radar device.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed detecting modulecomprises a lidar device.

Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises a power source,wherein the power source provides power to the speed detector.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the power source comprises atleast one rechargeable battery.

Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises at least onesolar panel, wherein the at least one solar panel is configured tocharge the rechargeable battery.

Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises a front paneland an illumination source, wherein the illumination source isconfigured to illuminate the front panel to provide a warning that thearea adjacent the speed detector is within a field of view of anaudio/video (A/V) recording and communication device.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the illumination sourcecomprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed evenlyabout an interior perimeter of the speed detector.

Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises a frame,wherein the frame is configured to receive at least one outer edge ofthe front panel.

Another embodiment of the third aspect further comprises a stakeconfigured to be driven into the ground and configured to providesupport to the frame.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the front panel and the framecomprise an interior space that contains and protects components of thespeed detector.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the speed detectingapplication further configures the processor to compare the obtainedspeed data to a threshold speed, and transmit the obtained speed data tothe backend server only when the obtained speed data indicates a speedgreater than a threshold speed.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the threshold speed is setusing a speed limit input from a user.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the threshold speed is setusing a geographic location of the illuminated signal device.

In a fourth aspect, a method for providing a warning message of apassing vehicle from an illuminated signal device is provided, themethod comprising receiving speed data of the passing vehicle from theilluminated signal device, receiving source identifying data of thereceived speed data from the illuminated signal device, determining atleast one social network to transmit the warning message based upon thereceived source identifying data, generating the warning message usingthe received speed data, and transmitting the generated warning messageto the at least one social network.

Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises receivingimage data from the illuminated signal device.

In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the generating the warningmessage further uses the received image data.

Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises receivingimage data from at least one other device in network communication withthe illuminated signal device.

In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the generating the warningmessage further uses the received image data.

Another embodiment of the fourth aspect further comprises receivingsource identifying data of the received image data from the at least oneother device.

In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the determining the at leastone social network to transmit the warning message is further based uponthe received source identifying data of the received image data from theat least one other device.

In a fifth aspect, an illuminated signal device for capturing image dataof a passing vehicle is provided, the device comprising: a camera; acommunication module; and a processing module operatively connected tothe camera and the communication module, the processing modulecomprising: a processor; and an application, wherein the applicationconfigures the processor to: detect motion of the passing vehicle usingthe camera; obtain image data of the passing vehicle using the camera;and transmit the obtained image data to a backend server using thecommunication module.

In an embodiment of the fifth aspect, the illuminated signal devicefurther comprises a power source, wherein the power source providespower to the illuminated signal device.

In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the power source comprises atleast one rechargeable battery.

In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the illuminated signal devicefurther comprises at least one solar panel, wherein the at least onesolar panel is configured to charge the rechargeable battery.

In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the illuminated signal devicefurther comprises a front panel and an illumination source, wherein theillumination source is configured to illuminate the front panel toprovide a warning that the area adjacent the illuminated signal deviceis within a field of view of an audio/video (A/V) recording andcommunication device.

In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the illumination sourcecomprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed evenlyabout an interior perimeter of the illuminated signal device.

In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the illuminated signal devicefurther comprises a frame, wherein the frame is configured to receive atleast one outer edge of the front panel.

In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the illuminated signal devicefurther comprises a stake configured to be driven into the ground andconfigured to provide support to the frame.

In another embodiment of the fifth aspect, the front panel and the framecomprise an interior space that contains and protects components of theilluminated signal device.

In a sixth aspect, an illuminated signal device for capturing image datais provided, the device comprising: a camera having a field of view; acommunication module; and a processing module operatively connected tothe camera and the communication module, the processing modulecomprising: a processor; and a signal device application, wherein thesignal device application configures the processor to: detect motionwithin the field of view of the camera; capture image data in responseto the detected motion; and transmit the image data to a backend serverusing the communication module.

In an embodiment of the sixth aspect, the signal device applicationfurther configures the processor to detect the motion using the camera.

In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the illuminated signal devicefurther comprises at least one passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor,wherein the at least one motion sensor is operatively connected to theprocessing module.

In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the signal device applicationfurther configures the processor to detect the motion using the at leastone motion sensor.

In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the at least one motionsensor comprises at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor.

In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the illuminated signal devicefurther comprises a radar device, wherein the radar device isoperatively connected to the processing module.

In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the detected motion comprisesa passing vehicle, and wherein the signal device application furtherconfigures the processor to obtain speed data of the passing vehicleusing the radar device.

In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the signal device applicationfurther configures the processor to transmit the obtained speed data tothe backend server, using the communication module.

In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the signal device applicationfurther configures the processor to compare the obtained speed data to athreshold speed, and to transmit the obtained speed data to the backendserver only when the obtained speed data indicates a speed greater thanthe threshold speed.

In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the threshold speed is setusing a speed limit input from a user.

In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the threshold speed is setusing a geographic location of the illuminated signal device.

In a seventh aspect, an illuminated signal device for streaming imagedata to a client device associated with an audio/video (A/V) recordingand communication device is provided, the illuminated signal devicecomprising: a power source configured to provide power to theilluminated signal device; a front panel and an illumination source,wherein the illumination source is configured to illuminate the frontpanel to provide a warning that the area adjacent the illuminated signaldevice is within a field of view of the A/V recording and communicationdevice; and a frame at least partially surrounding a perimeter of thefront panel; wherein the front panel and the frame comprise an interiorspace that houses: a camera having a field of view; a communicationmodule; and a processing module operatively connected to the camera andthe communication module, the processing module comprising: a processor;and a signal device application, wherein the signal device applicationconfigures the processor to: detect a person to be within the field ofview of the camera; capture image data of the person using the camera;and transmit the image data to a backend server using the communicationmodule.

In an embodiment of the seventh aspect, the signal device applicationfurther configures the processor to detect the person to be within thefield of view of the camera using the camera.

In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the illuminated signaldevice further comprises at least one motion sensor, wherein the atleast one motion sensor is operatively connected to the processingmodule.

In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the signal deviceapplication further configures the processor to detect the person to bewithin the field of view of the camera using the at least one motionsensor.

In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the at least one motionsensor comprises at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor.

In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the signal deviceapplication further configures the processor to transmit a request fromthe illuminated signal device to the backend server using the A/Vrecording and communication device, and to connect the illuminatedsignal device to the client device associated with the A/V recording andcommunication device.

In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the signal deviceapplication further configures the processor to receive, from thebackend server, a confirmation that a user has accepted the request toconnect the illuminated signal device to the client device associatedwith the A/V recording and communication device.

In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the signal deviceapplication further configures the processor to transmit, from theilluminated signal device to the client device, the image data uponreceiving the confirmation that the user has accepted the request toconnect the illuminated signal device to the client device.

In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the signal deviceapplication further configures the processor to receive, from thebackend server, a confirmation that the user has denied the request toconnect the illuminated signal device to the client device.

In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the signal deviceapplication further configures the processor to terminate attempts toconnect the illuminated signal device to the client device.

In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the signal deviceapplication further configures the processor to terminate attempts toconnect the illuminated signal device to the client device after apredetermined time interval.

In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the power source comprisesat least one rechargeable battery.

In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the illuminated signaldevice further comprises at least one solar panel, wherein the at leastone solar panel is configured to charge the at least one rechargeablebattery.

In another embodiment of the seventh aspect, the illumination sourcecomprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed evenlyabout an interior perimeter of the illuminated signal device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various embodiments of the present illuminated signal device andspeed detector for audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devicesnow will be discussed in detail with an emphasis on highlighting theadvantageous features. These embodiments depict the novel andnon-obvious illuminated signal device and speed detector for audio/video(A/V) recording and communication devices shown in the accompanyingdrawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. These drawingsinclude the following figures, in which like numerals indicate likeparts:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a system for streamingand storing A/V content captured by an audio/video (A/V) recording andcommunication device according the present embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an A/V recording and communication doorbellaccording to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the A/V recording and communication doorbell ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the A/V recording and communicationdoorbell of FIG. 2 attached to a mounting bracket according to an aspectof the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is cross-sectional right side view of the A/V recording andcommunication doorbell of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the A/V recording and communicationdoorbell and the mounting bracket of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are top and bottom views, respectively, of the A/Vrecording and communication doorbell and the mounting bracket of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are top and front views, respectively, of a passiveinfrared sensor holder of the A/V recording and communication doorbellof FIG. 2;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are top and front views, respectively, of a passiveinfrared sensor holder assembly of the A/V recording and communicationdoorbell of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the passive infrared sensor assembly of FIG.10A and a field of view thereof according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the components of the A/Vrecording and communication doorbell of FIG. 2;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process for an A/V recording andcommunication doorbell according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating another process for an A/V recordingand communication doorbell according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another process for an A/V recordingand communication doorbell according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an illuminatedsign (with a stake) for A/V recording and communication devicesaccording to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the illuminated sign for A/Vrecording and communication devices of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the illuminated sign for A/V recording andcommunication devices of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is an exploded front perspective view of the illuminated signfor A/V recording and communication devices of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram of certain components of theilluminated sign for A/V recording and communication devices of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of certain components of anotherembodiment of an illuminated sign for A/V recording and communicationdevices according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram of certain components of anotherembodiment of an illuminated sign for A/V recording and communicationdevices according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram of certain components of anotherembodiment of an illuminated sign for A/V recording and communicationdevices according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a diagram of one embodiment of a system for providing awarning message of a passing vehicle using an illuminated signal deviceand speed detector according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 25 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system for providing awarning message of a passing vehicle using a speed detector according tovarious aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of anilluminated signal device and speed detector according to an aspect ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram of another embodiment of theilluminated signal device according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 28 is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a speeddetector according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a backendserver according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process at anilluminated signal device and speed detector for providing a warningmessage of a passing vehicle according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process forobtaining image data of a passing vehicle using at least one externalcamera according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process at abackend server for providing a warning message of a passing vehicleaccording to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 33-35 are sequence diagrams illustrating embodiments of processesfor providing a warning message of a passing vehicle according tovarious aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is a functional block diagram illustrating one embodiment of asystem for providing a warning message of a passing vehicle according toan aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a functional block diagram of a client device on which thepresent embodiments may be implemented according to various aspects ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 38 is a functional block diagram of a general-purpose computingsystem on which the present embodiments may be implemented according tovarious aspects of present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description describes the present embodimentswith reference to the drawings. In the drawings, reference numbers labelelements of the present embodiments. These reference numbers arereproduced below in connection with the discussion of the correspondingdrawing features.

The embodiments of the present illuminated sign for audio/video (A/V)recording and communication devices are described below with referenceto the figures. These figures, and their written descriptions, indicatethat certain components of the apparatus are formed integrally, andcertain other components are formed as separate pieces. Those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that components shown anddescribed herein as being formed integrally may in alternativeembodiments be formed as separate pieces. Those of ordinary skill in theart will further appreciate that components shown and described hereinas being formed as separate pieces may in alternative embodiments beformed integrally. Further, as used herein the term integral describes asingle unitary piece.

With reference to FIG. 1, the present embodiments include an audio/video(A/V) recording and communication device, such as a doorbell 100. Whilethe present disclosure provides numerous examples of methods and systemsincluding A/V recording and communication doorbells, the presentembodiments are equally applicable for A/V recording and communicationdevices other than doorbells. For example, the present embodiments mayinclude one or more A/V recording and communication security camerasinstead of, or in addition to, one or more A/V recording andcommunication doorbells. An example A/V recording and communicationsecurity camera may include substantially all of the structure andfunctionality of the doorbells described herein, but without the frontbutton and related components.

The A/V recording and communication doorbell 100 may be located near theentrance to a structure (not shown), such as a dwelling, a business, astorage facility, etc. The A/V recording and communication doorbell 100includes a camera 102, a microphone 104, and a speaker 106. The camera102 may comprise, for example, a high definition (HD) video camera, suchas one capable of capturing video images at an image display resolutionof 720p or better. While not shown, the A/V recording and communicationdoorbell 100 may also include other hardware and/or components, such asa housing, one or more motion sensors (and/or other types of sensors), abutton, etc. The A/V recording and communication doorbell 100 mayfurther include similar componentry and/or functionality as the wirelesscommunication doorbells described in US Patent Application PublicationNos. 2015/0022620 (application Ser. No. 14/499,828) and 2015/0022618(application Ser. No. 14/334,922), both of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties as if fully set forth.

With further reference to FIG. 1, the A/V recording and communicationdoorbell 100 communicates with a user's network 110, which may be forexample a wired and/or wireless network. If the user's network 110 iswireless, or includes a wireless component, the network 110 may be aWi-Fi network compatible with the IEEE 802.11 standard and/or otherwireless communication standard(s). The user's network 110 is connectedto another network 112, which may comprise, for example, the Internetand/or a public switched telephone network (PSTN). As described below,the A/V recording and communication doorbell 100 may communicate withthe user's client device 114 via the user's network 110 and the network112 (Internet/PSTN). The user's client device 114 may comprise, forexample, a mobile telephone (may also be referred to as a cellulartelephone), such as a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), oranother communication and/or computing device. The user's client device114 comprises a display (not shown) and related components capable ofdisplaying streaming and/or recorded video images. The user's clientdevice 114 may also comprise a speaker and related components capable ofbroadcasting streaming and/or recorded audio, and may also comprise amicrophone. The A/V recording and communication doorbell 100 may alsocommunicate with one or more remote storage device(s) 116 (may bereferred to interchangeably as “cloud storage device(s)”), one or moreservers 118, and/or a backend API (application programming interface)120 via the user's network 110 and the network 112 (Internet/PSTN).While FIG. 1 illustrates the storage device 116, the server 118, and thebackend API 120 as components separate from the network 112, it is to beunderstood that the storage device 116, the server 118, and/or thebackend API 120 may be considered to be components of the network 112.

The network 112 may be any wireless network or any wired network, or acombination thereof, configured to operatively couple theabove-mentioned modules, devices, and systems as shown in FIG. 1. Forexample, the network 112 may include one or more of the following: aPSTN (public switched telephone network), the Internet, a localintranet, a PAN (Personal Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), aWAN (Wide Area Network), a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), a virtualprivate network (VPN), a storage area network (SAN), a frame relayconnection, an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) connection, asynchronous optical network (SONET) connection, a digital T₁, T₃, E1 orE3 line, a Digital Data Service (DDS) connection, a DSL (DigitalSubscriber Line) connection, an Ethernet connection, an ISDN (IntegratedServices Digital Network) line, a dial-up port such as a V.90, V.34, orV.34bis analog modem connection, a cable modem, an ATM (AsynchronousTransfer Mode) connection, or an FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface)or CDDI (Copper Distributed Data Interface) connection. Furthermore,communications may also include links to any of a variety of wirelessnetworks, including WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), GPRS (GeneralPacket Radio Service), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication),LTE, VoLTE, LoRaWAN, LPWAN, RPMA, LTE, Cat-“X” (e.g. LTE Cat 1, LTE Cat0, LTE CatM1, LTE Cat NB1), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), TDMA(Time Division Multiple Access), FDMA (Frequency Division MultipleAccess), and/or OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access)cellular phone networks, GPS, CDPD (cellular digital packet data), RIM(Research in Motion, Limited) duplex paging network, Bluetooth radio, oran IEEE 802.11-based radio frequency network. The network can furtherinclude or interface with any one or more of the following: RS-232serial connection, IEEE-1394 (Firewire) connection, Fibre Channelconnection, IrDA (infrared) port, SCSI (Small Computer SystemsInterface) connection, USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, or otherwired or wireless, digital or analog, interface or connection, mesh orDigi® networking.

According to one or more aspects of the present embodiments, when aperson (may be referred to interchangeably as “visitor”) arrives at theA/V recording and communication doorbell 100, the A/V recording andcommunication doorbell 100 detects the visitor's presence and beginscapturing video images within a field of view of the camera 102. The A/Vrecording and communication doorbell 100 may also capture audio throughthe microphone 104. The A/V recording and communication doorbell 100 maydetect the visitor's presence using a motion sensor, and/or by detectingthat the visitor has depressed the button on the A/V recording andcommunication doorbell 100.

In response to the detection of the visitor, the A/V recording andcommunication doorbell 100 sends an alert to the user's client device114 (FIG. 1) via the user's network 110 and the network 112. The A/Vrecording and communication doorbell 100 also sends streaming video, andmay also send streaming audio, to the user's client device 114. If theuser answers the alert, two-way audio communication may then occurbetween the visitor and the user through the A/V recording andcommunication doorbell 100 and the user's client device 114. The usermay view the visitor throughout the duration of the call, but thevisitor cannot see the user (unless the A/V recording and communicationdoorbell 100 includes a display, which it may in some embodiments).

The video images captured by the camera 102 of the A/V recording andcommunication doorbell 100 (and the audio captured by the microphone104) may be uploaded to the cloud and recorded on the remote storagedevice 116 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the video and/or audio may berecorded on the remote storage device 116 even if the user chooses toignore the alert sent to his or her client device 114.

With further reference to FIG. 1, the system may further comprise abackend API 120 including one or more components. A backend API(application programming interface) may comprise, for example, a server(e.g. a real server, or a virtual machine, or a machine running in acloud infrastructure as a service), or multiple servers networkedtogether, exposing at least one API to client(s) accessing it. Theseservers may include components such as application servers (e.g.software servers), depending upon what other components are included,such as a caching layer, or database layers, or other components. Abackend API may, for example, comprise many such applications, each ofwhich communicate with one another using their public APIs. In someembodiments, the API backend may hold the bulk of the user data andoffer the user management capabilities, leaving the clients to have verylimited state.

The backend API 120 illustrated FIG. 1 may include one or more APIs. AnAPI is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software andapplications. An API expresses a software component in terms of itsoperations, inputs, outputs, and underlying types, definingfunctionalities that are independent of their respectiveimplementations, which allows definitions and implementations to varywithout compromising the interface. Advantageously, an API may provide aprogrammer with access to an application's functionality without theprogrammer needing to modify the application itself, or even understandhow the application works. An API may be for a web-based system, anoperating system, or a database system, and it provides facilities todevelop applications for that system using a given programming language.In addition to accessing databases or computer hardware like hard diskdrives or video cards, an API can ease the work of programming GUIcomponents. For example, an API can facilitate integration of newfeatures into existing applications (a so-called “plug-in API”). An APIcan also assist otherwise distinct applications with sharing data, whichcan help to integrate and enhance the functionalities of theapplications.

The backend API 120 illustrated in FIG. 1 may further include one ormore services (also referred to as network services). A network serviceis an application that provides data storage, manipulation,presentation, communication, and/or other capability. Network servicesare often implemented using a client-server architecture based onapplication-layer network protocols. Each service may be provided by aserver component running on one or more computers (such as a dedicatedserver computer offering multiple services) and accessed via a networkby client components running on other devices. However, the client andserver components can both be run on the same machine. Clients andservers may have a user interface, and sometimes other hardwareassociated with them.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate an audio/video (A/V) communication doorbell 130according to an aspect of present embodiments. FIG. 2 is a front view,FIG. 3 is a rear view, and FIG. 4 is a left side view of the doorbell130 coupled with a mounting bracket 137. The doorbell 130 includes afaceplate 135 mounted to a back plate 139 (FIG. 3). With reference toFIG. 4, the faceplate 135 has a substantially flat profile. Thefaceplate 135 may comprise any suitable material, including, withoutlimitation, metals, such as brushed aluminum or stainless steel, metalalloys, or plastics. The faceplate 135 protects the internal contents ofthe doorbell 130 and serves as an exterior front surface of the doorbell130.

With reference to FIG. 2, the faceplate 135 includes a button 133 and alight pipe 136. The button 133 and the light pipe 136 may have variousprofiles that may or may not match the profile of the faceplate 135. Thelight pipe 136 may comprise any suitable material, including, withoutlimitation, transparent plastic, that is capable of allowing lightproduced within the doorbell 130 to pass through. The light may beproduced by one or more light-emitting components, such aslight-emitting diodes (LED's), contained within the doorbell 130, asfurther described below. The button 133 may make contact with a buttonactuator (not shown) located within the doorbell 130 when the button 133is pressed by a visitor. When pressed, the button 133 may trigger one ormore functions of the doorbell 130, as further described below.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the doorbell 130 further includes anenclosure 131 that engages the faceplate 135. In the illustratedembodiment, the enclosure 131 abuts an upper edge 135T (FIG. 2) of thefaceplate 135, but in alternative embodiments one or more gaps betweenthe enclosure 131 and the faceplate 135 may facilitate the passage ofsound and/or light through the doorbell 130. The enclosure 131 maycomprise any suitable material, but in some embodiments the material ofthe enclosure 131 preferably permits infrared light to pass through frominside the doorbell 130 to the environment and vice versa. The doorbell130 further includes a lens 132. In some embodiments, the lens maycomprise a Fresnel lens, which may be patterned to deflect incominglight into one or more infrared sensors located within the doorbell 130.The doorbell 130 further includes a camera 134, which captures videodata when activated, as described below.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the doorbell 130, according to an aspect of thepresent embodiments. As illustrated, the enclosure 131 may extend fromthe front of the doorbell 130 around to the back thereof and may fitsnugly around a lip of the back plate 139. The back plate 139 maycomprise any suitable material, including, without limitation, metals,such as brushed aluminum or stainless steel, metal alloys, or plastics.The back plate 139 protects the internal contents of the doorbell 130and serves as an exterior rear surface of the doorbell 130. Thefaceplate 135 may extend from the front of the doorbell 130 and at leastpartially wrap around the back plate 139, thereby allowing a coupledconnection between the faceplate 135 and the back plate 139. The backplate 139 may have indentations in its structure to facilitate thecoupling.

With further reference to FIG. 3, spring contacts 140 may provide powerto the doorbell 130 when mated with other conductive contacts connectedto a power source. The spring contacts 140 may comprise any suitableconductive material, including, without limitation, copper, and may becapable of deflecting when contacted by an inward force, for example theinsertion of a mating element. The doorbell 130 further comprises aconnector 160, such as a micro-USB or other connector, whereby powerand/or data may be supplied to and from the components within thedoorbell 130. A reset button 159 may be located on the back plate 139,and may make contact with a button actuator (not shown) located withinthe doorbell 130 when the reset button 159 is pressed. When the resetbutton 159 is pressed, it may trigger one or more functions, asdescribed below.

FIG. 4 is a left side profile view of the doorbell 130 coupled to themounting bracket 137, according to an aspect of the present embodiments.The mounting bracket 137 facilitates mounting the doorbell 130 to asurface, such as the exterior of a building, such as a home or office.As illustrated in FIG. 4, the faceplate 135 may extend from the bottomof the doorbell 130 up to just below the camera 134, and connect to theback plate 139 as described above. The lens 132 may extend and curlpartially around the side of the doorbell 130. The enclosure 131 mayextend and curl around the side and top of the doorbell 130, and may becoupled to the back plate 139 as described above. The camera 134 mayprotrude slightly through the enclosure 131, thereby giving it a widerfield of view. The mounting bracket 137 may couple with the back plate139 such that they contact each other at various points in a commonplane of contact, thereby creating an assembly including the doorbell130 and the mounting bracket 137. The couplings described in thisparagraph, and elsewhere, may be secured by, for example and withoutlimitation, screws, interference fittings, adhesives, or otherfasteners. Interference fittings may refer to a type of connection wherea material relies on pressure and/or gravity coupled with the material'sphysical strength to support a connection to a different element.

FIG. 5 is a right side cross-sectional view of the doorbell 130 withoutthe mounting bracket 137. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens 132 issubstantially coplanar with the front surface 131F of the enclosure 131.In alternative embodiments, the lens 132 may be recessed within theenclosure 131 or may protrude outward from the enclosure 131. The camera134 is coupled to a camera printed circuit board (PCB) 147, and a lens134 a of the camera 134 protrudes through an opening in the enclosure131. The camera lens 134 a may be a lens capable of focusing light intothe camera 134 so that clear images may be taken.

The camera PCB 147 may be secured within the doorbell with any suitablefasteners, such as screws, or interference connections, adhesives, etc.The camera PCB 147 comprises various components that enable thefunctionality of the camera 134 of the doorbell 130, as described below.Infrared light-emitting components, such as infrared LED's 168, arecoupled to the camera PCB 147 and may be triggered to activate when alight sensor detects a low level of ambient light. When activated, theinfrared LED's 168 may emit infrared light through the enclosure 131and/or the camera 134 out into the ambient environment. The camera 134,which may be configured to detect infrared light, may then capture thelight emitted by the infrared LED's 168 as it reflects off objectswithin the camera's 134 field of view, so that the doorbell 130 canclearly capture images at night (may be referred to as “night vision”).

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the doorbell 130 further comprises afront PCB 146, which in the illustrated embodiment resides in a lowerportion of the doorbell 130 adjacent a battery 166. The front PCB 146may be secured within the doorbell 130 with any suitable fasteners, suchas screws, or interference connections, adhesives, etc. The front PCB146 comprises various components that enable the functionality of theaudio and light components, as further described below. The battery 166may provide power to the doorbell 130 components while receiving powerfrom the spring contacts 140, thereby engaging in a trickle-chargemethod of power consumption and supply. Alternatively, the doorbell 130may draw power directly from the spring contacts 140 while relying onthe battery 166 only when the spring contacts 140 are not providing thepower necessary for all functions.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the doorbell 130 further comprises apower PCB 148, which in the illustrated embodiment resides behind thecamera PCB 147. The power PCB 148 may be secured within the doorbell 130with any suitable fasteners, such as screws, or interferenceconnections, adhesives, etc. The power PCB 148 comprises variouscomponents that enable the functionality of the power and device-controlcomponents, as further described below.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the doorbell 130 further comprises acommunication module 164 coupled to the power PCB 148. The communicationmodule 164 facilitates communication with client devices in one or moreremote locations, as further described below. The connector 160 mayprotrude outward from the power PCB 148 and extend through a hole in theback plate 139. The doorbell 130 further comprises passive infrared(PIR) sensors 144, which are secured on or within a PIR sensor holder143, and the assembly resides behind the lens 132. The PIR sensor holder143 may be secured to the doorbell 130 with any suitable fasteners, suchas screws, or interference connections, adhesives, etc. The PIR sensors144 may be any type of sensor capable of detecting and communicating thepresence of a heat source within their field of view. Further,alternative embodiments may comprise one or more motion sensors eitherin place of or in addition to the PIR sensors 144. The motion sensorsmay be configured to detect motion using any methodology, such as amethodology that does not rely on detecting the presence of a heatsource within a field of view.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the doorbell 130 and the mounting bracket137 according to an aspect of the present embodiments. The mountingbracket 137 is configured to be mounted to a mounting surface (notshown) of a structure, such as a home or an office. FIG. 6 shows thefront side 137F of the mounting bracket 137. The mounting bracket 137 isconfigured to be mounted to the mounting surface such that the back side137B thereof faces the mounting surface. In certain embodiments, themounting bracket 137 may be mounted to surfaces of various composition,including, without limitation, wood, concrete, stucco, brick, vinylsiding, aluminum siding, etc., with any suitable fasteners, such asscrews, or interference connections, adhesives, etc. The doorbell 130may be coupled to the mounting bracket 137 with any suitable fasteners,such as screws, or interference connections, adhesives, etc.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the illustrated embodiment of themounting bracket 137 includes the terminal screws 138. The terminalscrews 138 are configured to receive electrical wires adjacent themounting surface of the structure upon which the mounting bracket 137 ismounted, so that the doorbell 130 may receive electrical power from thestructure's electrical system. The terminal screws 138 are electricallyconnected to electrical contacts 177 of the mounting bracket. If poweris supplied to the terminal screws 138, then the electrical contacts 177also receive power through the terminal screws 138. The electricalcontacts 177 may comprise any suitable conductive material, including,without limitation, copper, and may protrude slightly from the face ofthe mounting bracket 137 so that they may mate with the spring contacts140 located on the back plate 139.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 (which is a rear view of the mountingbracket 137), the mounting bracket 137 further comprises a bracket PCB149. With reference to FIG. 7, the bracket PCB 149 is situated outsidethe doorbell 130, and is therefore configured for various sensors thatmeasure ambient conditions, such as an accelerometer 150, a barometer151, a humidity sensor 152, and a temperature sensor 153. The functionsof these components are discussed in more detail below. The bracket PCB149 may be secured to the mounting bracket 137 with any suitablefasteners, such as screws, or interference connections, adhesives, etc.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are top and bottom views, respectively, of the doorbell130. As described above, the enclosure 131 may extend from the frontface 131F of the doorbell 130 to the back, where it contacts and snuglysurrounds the back plate 139. The camera 134 may protrude slightlybeyond the front face 131F of the enclosure 131, thereby giving thecamera 134 a wider field of view. The mounting bracket 137 may include asubstantially flat rear surface 137R, such that the doorbell 130 and themounting bracket 137 assembly may sit flush against the surface to whichthey are mounted. With reference to FIG. 8B, the lower end of theenclosure 131 may include security screw apertures 141 configured toreceive screws or other fasteners.

FIG. 9A is a top view of the PIR sensor holder 143. The PIR sensorholder 143 may comprise any suitable material, including, withoutlimitation, metals, metal alloys, or plastics. The PIR sensor holder 143is configured to mount the PIR sensors 144 behind the lens 132 such thatthe PIR sensors 144 face out through the lens 132 at varying angles,thereby creating a wide field of view for the PIR sensors 144, anddividing the field of view into zones, as further described below. Withfurther reference to FIG. 9A, the PIR sensor holder 143 includes one ormore faces 178 within or on which the PIR sensors 144 may be mounted. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the PIR sensor holder 143 includes threefaces 178, with each of two outer faces 178 angled at 55° with respectto a center one of the faces 178. In alternative embodiments, the angleformed by adjacent ones of the faces 178 may be increased or decreasedas desired to alter the field of view of the PIR sensors 144.

FIG. 9B is a front view of the PIR sensor holder 143. In the illustratedembodiment, each of the faces 178 includes a through hole 180 in whichthe PIR sensors 144 may be mounted. First and second brackets 182,spaced from one another, extend transversely across the PIR sensorholder 143. Each of the brackets 182 includes notches 184 at either end.The brackets 182 may be used to secure the PIR sensor holder 143 withinthe doorbell 130. In alternative embodiments, the through holes 180 inthe faces 178 may be omitted. For example, the PIR sensors 144 may bemounted directly to the faces 178 without the through holes 180.Generally, the faces 178 may comprise any structure configured to locateand secure the PIR sensors 144 in place.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are top and front views, respectively, of a PIR sensorassembly 179, including the PIR sensor holder 143, the lens 132, and aflexible power circuit 145. The PIR sensor holder 143 may be secured toa rear face 132R of the lens 132, as shown, with the brackets 182abutting the rear face 132R of the lens 132. The flexible power circuit145, which may be any material or component capable of delivering powerand/or data to and from the PIR sensors 144, is secured to a rear face143R of the PIR sensor holder 143, and may be contoured to match theangular shape of the PIR sensor holder 143. The flexible power circuit145 may connect to, draw power from, and/or transmit data to and/orfrom, the power PCB 148 (FIG. 5).

FIG. 11 is a top view of the PIR sensor assembly 179 illustrating thefields of view of the PIR sensors 144. Each PIR sensor 144 includes afield of view, referred to as a “zone,” that traces an angle extendingoutward from the respective PIR sensor 144. Zone 1 is the area that isvisible only to Passive Infrared Sensor 144-1. Zone 2 is the area thatis visible only to the PIR sensors 144-1 and 144-2. Zone 3 is the areathat is visible only to Passive Infrared Sensor 144-2. Zone 4 is thearea that is visible only to the PIR sensors 144-2 and 144-3. Zone 5 isthe area that is visible only to Passive Infrared Sensor 144-3. Thedoorbell 130 may be capable of determining the direction that an objectis moving based upon which zones are triggered in a time sequence. Inthe illustrated embodiment, each zone extends across an angle of 110°.In alternative embodiments, each zone may extend across a differentangle, such as one greater than or less than 110°.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the components within or incommunication with the doorbell 130, according to an aspect of thepresent embodiments. As described above, the bracket PCB 149 maycomprise an accelerometer 150, a barometer 151, a humidity sensor 152,and a temperature sensor 153. The accelerometer 150 may be one or moresensors capable of sensing motion and/or acceleration. The barometer 151may be one or more sensors capable of determining the atmosphericpressure of the surrounding environment in which the bracket PCB 149 maybe located. The humidity sensor 152 may be one or more sensors capableof determining the amount of moisture present in the atmosphericenvironment in which the bracket PCB 149 may be located. The temperaturesensor 153 may be one or more sensors capable of determining thetemperature of the ambient environment in which the bracket PCB 149 maybe located. As described above, the bracket PCB 149 may be locatedoutside the housing of the doorbell 130 so as to reduce interferencefrom heat, pressure, moisture, and/or other stimuli generated by theinternal components of the doorbell 130.

With further reference to FIG. 12, the bracket PCB 149 may furthercomprise terminal screw inserts 154, which may be configured to receivethe terminal screws 138 and transmit power to the electrical contacts177 on the mounting bracket 137 (FIG. 6). The bracket PCB 149 may beelectrically and/or mechanically coupled to the power PCB 148 throughthe terminal screws 138, the terminal screw inserts 154, the springcontacts 140, and the electrical contacts 177. The terminal screws 138may receive electrical wires located at the surface to which thedoorbell 130 is mounted, such as the wall of a building, so that thedoorbell can receive electrical power from the building's electricalsystem. Upon the terminal screws 138 being secured within the terminalscrew inserts 154, power may be transferred to the bracket PCB 149, andto all of the components associated therewith, including the electricalcontacts 177. The electrical contacts 177 may transfer electrical powerto the power PCB 148 by mating with the spring contacts 140.

With further reference to FIG. 12, the front PCB 146 may comprise alight sensor 155, one or more light-emitting components, such as LED's156, one or more speakers 157, and a microphone 158. The light sensor155 may be one or more sensors capable of detecting the level of ambientlight of the surrounding environment in which the doorbell 130 may belocated. LED's 156 may be one or more light-emitting diodes capable ofproducing visible light when supplied with power. The speakers 157 maybe any electromechanical device capable of producing sound in responseto an electrical signal input. The microphone 158 may be anacoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor capable of converting soundwaves into an electrical signal. When activated, the LED's 156 mayilluminate the light pipe 136 (FIG. 2). The front PCB 146 and allcomponents thereof may be electrically coupled to the power PCB 148,thereby allowing data and/or power to be transferred to and from thepower PCB 148 and the front PCB 146.

The speakers 157 and the microphone 158 may be coupled to the cameraprocessor 170 through an audio CODEC 161. For example, the transfer ofdigital audio from the user's client device 114 and the speakers 157 andthe microphone 158 may be compressed and decompressed using the audioCODEC 161, coupled to the camera processor 170. Once compressed by audioCODEC 161, digital audio data may be sent through the communicationmodule 164 to the network 112, routed by one or more servers 118, anddelivered to the user's client device 114. When the user speaks, afterbeing transferred through the network 112, digital audio data isdecompressed by audio CODEC 161 and emitted to the visitor via thespeakers 157.

With further reference to FIG. 12, the power PCB 148 may comprise apower management module 162, a microcontroller 163, the communicationmodule 164, and power PCB non-volatile memory 165. In certainembodiments, the power management module 162 may comprise an integratedcircuit capable of arbitrating between multiple voltage rails, therebyselecting the source of power for the doorbell 130. The battery 166, thespring contacts 140, and/or the connector 160 may each provide power tothe power management module 162. The power management module 162 mayhave separate power rails dedicated to the battery 166, the springcontacts 140, and the connector 160. In one aspect of the presentdisclosure, the power management module 162 may continuously draw powerfrom the battery 166 to power the doorbell 130, while at the same timerouting power from the spring contacts 140 and/or the connector 160 tothe battery 166, thereby allowing the battery 166 to maintain asubstantially constant level of charge. Alternatively, the powermanagement module 162 may continuously draw power from the springcontacts 140 and/or the connector 160 to power the doorbell 130, whileonly drawing from the battery 166 when the power from the springcontacts 140 and/or the connector 160 is low or insufficient. The powermanagement module 162 may also serve as a conduit for data between theconnector 160 and the microcontroller 163.

With further reference to FIG. 12, in certain embodiments themicrocontroller 163 may comprise an integrated circuit including aprocessor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. Themicrocontroller 163 may receive input signals, such as data and/orpower, from the PIR sensors 144, the bracket PCB 149, the powermanagement module 162, the light sensor 155, the microphone 158, and/orthe communication module 164, and may perform various functions asfurther described below. When the microcontroller 163 is triggered bythe PIR sensors 144, the microcontroller 163 may be triggered to performone or more functions, such as those described below with reference toFIG. 14. When the light sensor 155 detects a low level of ambient light,the light sensor 155 may trigger the microcontroller 163 to enable“night vision,” as further described below. The microcontroller 163 mayalso act as a conduit for data communicated between various componentsand the communication module 164.

With further reference to FIG. 12, the communication module 164 maycomprise an integrated circuit including a processor core, memory, andprogrammable input/output peripherals. The communication module 164 mayalso be configured to transmit data wirelessly to a remote networkdevice, and may include one or more transceivers (not shown). Thewireless communication may comprise one or more wireless networks, suchas, without limitation, Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, and/or satellitenetworks. The communication module 164 may receive inputs, such as powerand/or data, from the camera PCB 147, the microcontroller 163, thebutton 133, the reset button 159, and/or the power PCB non-volatilememory 165. When the button 133 is pressed, the communication module 164may be triggered to perform one or more functions, such as thosedescribed below with reference to FIG. 13. When the reset button 159 ispressed, the communication module 164 may be triggered to erase any datastored at the power PCB non-volatile memory 165 and/or at the camera PCBmemory 169. The communication module 164 may also act as a conduit fordata communicated between various components and the microcontroller163. The power PCB non-volatile memory 165 may comprise flash memoryconfigured to store and/or transmit data. For example, in certainembodiments the power PCB non-volatile memory 165 may comprise serialperipheral interface (SPI) flash memory.

With further reference to FIG. 12, the camera PCB 147 may comprisecomponents that facilitate the operation of the camera 134. For example,an imager 171 may comprise a video recording sensor and/or a camerachip. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the imager 171 maycomprise a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) array, and maybe capable of recording high definition (e.g., 720p or better) videofiles. A camera processor 170 may comprise an encoding and compressionchip. In some embodiments, the camera processor 170 may comprise abridge processor. The camera processor 170 may process video recorded bythe imager 171 and audio recorded by the microphone 158, and maytransform this data into a form suitable for wireless transfer by thecommunication module 164 to a network. The camera PCB memory 169 maycomprise volatile memory that may be used when data is being buffered orencoded by the camera processor 170. For example, in certain embodimentsthe camera PCB memory 169 may comprise synchronous dynamic random accessmemory (SD RAM). IR LED's 168 may comprise light-emitting diodes capableof radiating infrared light. IR cut filter 167 may comprise a systemthat, when triggered, configures the imager 171 to see primarilyinfrared light as opposed to visible light. When the light sensor 155detects a low level of ambient light (which may comprise a level thatimpedes the performance of the imager 171 in the visible spectrum), theIR LED's 168 may shine infrared light through the doorbell 130 enclosureout to the environment, and the IR cut filter 167 may enable the imager171 to see this infrared light as it is reflected or refracted off ofobjects within the field of view of the doorbell. This process mayprovide the doorbell 130 with the “night vision” function mentionedabove.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a processaccording to an aspect of the present disclosure. At block B200, avisitor presses the button 133 on the doorbell 130. At block B202, thecommunication module 164 sends a request to a network device. Once thenetwork device receives the request, at block B204 the network devicemay connect the doorbell 130 to the user's client device 114 through theuser's network 110 and the network 112. In block B206, the doorbell 130may record available audio and/or video data using the camera 134, themicrophone 158, and/or any other sensor available. At block B208, theaudio and/or video data is transmitted to the user's client device 114.At block B210, the user may receive a notification on his or her clientdevice 114 prompting him or her to either accept or deny. If the userdenies the notification, then the process advances to block B214, wherethe audio and/or video data is recorded and stored at a cloud server.The session then ends at block B216 and the connection between thedoorbell 130 and the user's client device 114 is terminated. If,however, the user elects to accept the notification, then at block B212the user communicates with the visitor through the user's client device114 while being provided audio and/or video data captured by the camera134, the microphone 158, and/or other sensors. At the end of the call,the user may terminate the connection between the user's client device114 and the doorbell 130 and the session ends at block B216. In someembodiments, the audio and/or video data may be recorded and stored at acloud server (block B214) even if the user accepts the notification andcommunicates with the visitor through the user's client device 114.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a processaccording to an aspect of the present disclosure. At block B300, anobject may move into the field of view of one or more of the PIR sensors144. At block B302, the PIR sensors 144 may trigger the microcontroller163, which may then trigger the communication module 164 to send arequest to a network device. At block B304, the network device mayconnect the doorbell 130 to the user's client device 114 through theuser's network 110 and the network 112. At block B306, the doorbell 130may record available audio and/or video data using the camera 134, themicrophone 158, and/or any other available sensor, and stream the datato the user's client device 114. At block B308, the user may receive anotification prompting the user to either accept or deny thenotification. If the notification is accepted, then at block B310 a thelive audio/video data may be displayed on the user's client device 114,thereby allowing the user surveillance from the perspective of thedoorbell 130. When the user is satisfied with this function, the usermay sever the connection at block B312, whereby the session ends. If,however, at block B308 the user denies the notification, or ignores thenotification and a specified time interval elapses, then the connectionbetween the doorbell 130 and the user's client device 114 is terminatedand the audio/video data is recorded and stored at a cloud server atblock B310 b, such that the user may view the audio/video data later attheir convenience. The doorbell 130 may be configured to record for aspecified period of time in the event the notification in block B308 isdenied or ignored. If such a time period is set, the doorbell 130 mayrecord data for that period of time before ceasing operation at blockB312 thereby ending the session. In some embodiments, the audio and/orvideo data may be recorded and stored at a cloud server (block B310 b)even if the user accepts the notification and communicates with thevisitor through the user's client device 114.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a processaccording to an aspect of the present disclosure. At block B400, theuser may select a “snooze time-out,” which is a time period during whichthe doorbell 130 may deactivate or otherwise not respond to stimuli(such as light, sound, or heat signatures) after an operation isperformed, e.g. a notification is either accepted or denied/ignored. Forexample, the user may set a snooze time-out of 15 minutes. At blockB402, an object moves into the field of view of one or more of the PIRsensors 144. At block B404, the microcontroller 163 may trigger thecommunication module 164 to send a request to a network device. In blockB406, the network device may connect the doorbell 130 to the user'sclient device 114 through the user's network 110 and the network 112. Atblock B408, audio/video data captured by the doorbell 130 may bestreamed to the user's client device 114. At block B410, the user mayreceive a notification prompting the user to either accept ordeny/ignore the request. If the request is denied or ignored, then atblock B412 b audio/video data may be recorded and stored at a cloudserver. After the doorbell 130 finishes recording, the objects mayremain in the PIR sensor 144 field of view at block B414. In block B416,the microcontroller 163 waits for the “snooze time” to elapse, e.g. 15minutes, before triggering the communication module 164 to submitanother request to the network device. After the snooze time, e.g. 15minutes, elapses, the process moves back to block B404 and progresses asdescribed above. The cycle may continue like this until the user acceptsthe notification request at block B410. The process then moves to blockB412 a, where live audio and/or video data is displayed on the user'sclient device 114, thereby allowing the user surveillance from theperspective of the doorbell 130. At the user's request, the connectionmay be severed and the session ends at block B418. At this point theuser may elect for the process to revert back to block B416, wherebythere may be no further response until the snooze time, e.g. 15 minutes,has elapsed from the end of the previous session, or the user may electfor the process to return to block B402 and receive a notification thenext time an object is perceived by one or more of the PIR sensors 144.In some embodiments, the audio and/or video data may be recorded andstored at a cloud server (block B412 b) even if the user accepts thenotification and communicates with the visitor through the user's clientdevice 114.

As discussed above, the present disclosure provides numerous examples ofmethods and systems including A/V recording and communication doorbells,but the present embodiments are equally applicable for A/V recording andcommunication devices other than doorbells. For example, the presentembodiments may include one or more A/V recording and communicationsecurity cameras instead of, or in addition to, one or more A/Vrecording and communication doorbells. An example A/V recording andcommunication security camera may include substantially all of thestructure and functionality of the doorbell 130, but without the frontbutton 133, the button actuator, and/or the light pipe 136. An exampleA/V recording and communication security camera may further omit othercomponents, such as, for example, the bracket PCB 149 and itscomponents.

FIGS. 16-19 illustrate one embodiment of an illuminated sign 450 for A/Vrecording and communication devices according to an aspect of thepresent disclosure. With reference to FIG. 19, which is an explodedview, the sign 450 includes a front panel 452, a frame 454, and a backcover 456. The frame 454 includes a front opening 458 having a perimetersize and shape configured to receive outer edges 460 of the front panel452. The frame 454 further includes a back opening 462 having aperimeter size and shape configured to receive outer edges 464 of theback cover 456. In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel 452, theframe 454, and the back cover 456 each have a substantially octagonalperimeter shape. However, the illustrated embodiment is just oneexample, and in alternative embodiments the front panel 452, the frame454, and/or the back cover 456 could have any perimeter shape, such asround, hexagonal, rectangular, square, triangular, etc. The frontopening 458 may include a recessed ledge 466 that receives the frontpanel 452 such that a front surface 468 of the front panel 452 issubstantially flush with a front edge 470 of the frame 454. Similarly,the back opening 462 may include a recessed ledge 472 that receives theback cover 456 such that a back surface 474 of the back cover 456 issubstantially flush with a back edge 476 of the frame 454. The frontpanel 452 and the back cover 456 are spaced from one another byapproximately a thickness of the frame 454. Together, the front panel452, the back cover 456, and the frame 454 create an interior space thatcontains and protects further components of the illuminated sign 450,including an illumination source, as further described below.

An interface between the outer edges 460 of the front panel 452 and theframe 454 may include an intervening moisture-sealing member (notshown), such as a gasket or a coating on one or both of the front panel452 and the frame 454. Similarly, an interface between the outer edges464 of the back cover 456 and the frame 454 may include an interveningmoisture-sealing member (not shown), such as a gasket or a coating onone or both of the back cover 456 and the frame 454. Themoisture-sealing member(s) may comprise any material configured toprovide a moisture-tight seal at the interface(s), such as rubber orsilicone.

With reference to FIGS. 17 and 19, the front panel 452 may include atleast one translucent portion 478, 480, 482 having contrasting text 484.In the illustrated embodiment, three translucent portions 478, 480, 482are shown. However, in alternative embodiments a different number oftranslucent portions may be provided, such as zero, one, two, four, etc.Further, one or more of the translucent portions 478, 480, 482 may betransparent and/or colorless.

The translucent portions 478, 480, 482 are configured to allow at leastsome light to pass from within the illuminated sign 450 through thefront panel 452, while the contrasting text 484 is configured to preventat least some light from passing through the front panel 452. Thus, asfurther described below, when the illumination source located within thesign 450 is illuminated, the contrast between the text 484 and thetranslucent portions 478, 480, 482 makes the text 484 on the front panel452 visible to a viewer located in front of the sign 450. The sign 450is thus backlit, or illuminated by an illumination source located behindthe front panel 452. The text 484 informs the viewer that the areaadjacent the illuminated sign 450 is within a field of view of the A/Vrecording and communication device 130. For example, in the illustratedembodiment the text 484 reads “Protected by ring 24/7 VideoSurveillance.” The illustrated text 484 is, however, just one example,and in alternative embodiments the text 484 may read differently.

With reference to FIG. 17, the translucent portions 478, 480, 482 mayhave different arrangements and/or different visual aspects, such asdifferent colors or levels of opacity. For example, the illustratedembodiment includes an upper band corresponding to the first translucentportion 478, a lower band corresponding to the second translucentportion 480, and a central band corresponding to the third translucentportion 482. The upper and lower bands 478, 480 may be the same color,such as blue, while the central band 482 may be a different color, suchas white. The text 484 may be yet another different color, such asblack. When the illumination source located within the sign 450 isturned on, the black text 484 on the front panel 452 stands out from thelighter colored upper band 478, lower band 480, and central band 482,because the black text 484 is more opaque than the lighter coloredtranslucent portions 478, 480, 482. In some embodiments, the text 484may be completely opaque such that the text 484 blocks transmissionthrough the front panel 452 of substantially all of the light emanatingfrom the illumination source within the sign 450. In such embodiments,the text 484 may be black or any other color.

In alternative embodiments, the different translucent portions 478, 480,482 of the front panel 452 may be distinguished from one another bydiffering levels of opacity, rather than, or in addition to, differentcolors. For example, the upper band 478, the lower band 480, and/or thecentral band 482 may be textured or frosted to prevent at least somelight from passing through those portions of the front panel 452. Instill further alternative embodiments, substantially all of the frontpanel 452 may be opaque, except for the text 484, which may betranslucent or transparent. In still further alternative embodiments,the relative locations and/or arrangement of the transparent/translucentportions 478, 480, 482 may be rearranged or reversed, and/or theboundaries between opaque and transparent/translucent portions 478, 480,482 may be modified. The arrangements of the translucent portions 478,480, 482 and the text 484 in the illustrated embodiment is just oneexample and is not limiting.

With reference to FIG. 19, the illuminated sign 450 further comprises anillumination source. In the illustrated embodiment, the illuminationsource comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 486. Eachof the LEDs 486 may be surface mounted to an LED printed circuit board(PCB) 488. In certain embodiments, the LEDs 486 may be distributedevenly about a perimeter of the frame 454. For example, there may be oneLED 486 located at the inside surface of each side 490 (or substantiallyeach side) of the frame 454. Thus, for the illustrated embodiment havinga generally octagonal frame 454, there may be a total of eight LEDs 486distributed evenly about a perimeter of the frame 454. Alternatively,there may be a total of seven LEDs 486 distributed generally evenlyabout a perimeter of the frame 454, with only a lower side 492 of thegenerally octagonal frame 454 being without an LED 486.

With reference to FIG. 19, the back cover 456 may be substantially orcompletely opaque such that light emanating from the illumination sourcedoes not pass through the back cover 456. In certain embodiments, aninside surface 494 of the back cover 456 may be reflective so that lightstriking the inside surface 494 is reflected back into the interior ofthe sign 450 and, ultimately, through the front panel 452. For example,the inside surface 494 may include a reflective coating and/or the backcover 456 may comprise a reflective material, such as a metal.

With reference to FIG. 19, the illuminated sign 450 further comprises apower source 496 providing power to the illumination source 486, and oneor more other PCBs 498. The power source 496 may comprise, for example,one or more rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries. Withreference to FIGS. 16-19, the illuminated sign 450 further comprises atleast one solar panel 500 for recharging the rechargeable battery 496.With reference to FIGS. 16 and 19, in the illustrated embodiment, theilluminated sign 450 comprises three solar panels 500, with a first oneof the solar panels 500 extending across the outer surface of anuppermost edge 502 of the frame 454, and second and third ones of thesolar panels 500 extending across the outer surfaces of edges 504adjacent the uppermost edge 502 of the frame 454. Locating the solarpanels 500 along and/or adjacent the upper edge(s) 502, 504 of the frame454 provides good exposure of the solar panels 500 to sunlight, whichenables efficient absorption of solar energy for recharging therechargeable battery 496, as described in further detail below. Theillustrated locations of the three solar panels 500 are, however, merelyexamples. The solar panels 500 may be located in different locationsfrom those shown in FIGS. 16-19. Further, fewer or more than three solarpanels 500 may be provided in alternative embodiments. For example, thethree solar panels 500 may be replaced by a single, flexible solar panelthat extends over the upper edge(s) 502, 504 of the frame 454.

In some embodiments, each of the solar panels 500 may comprise one ormore photovoltaic modules including a packaged, connected assembly ofsolar cells. The solar modules use light energy (photons) from the sunto generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The solarmodules may include, for example, wafer-based crystalline silicon cellsand/or thin-film cells based on, for example, cadmium telluride orsilicon. The solar cells may be secured to a structural (load carrying)member, and may be rigid or semi-flexible. In one non-limiting example,the total output power of the solar panels 500 may range from about 0.1watts to about 5 watts, such as from about 0.5 watts to about 1 watt.

With further reference to FIG. 19, the other PCBs may comprise at leasta power PCB 498. The power PCB 498 may comprise a power managementmodule 506. The power management module 506, which may alternatively bereferred to as a processor, may comprise an integrated circuit includinga processor core, memory, and/or programmable input/output peripherals.In one non-limiting example, the power management module 506 may be anoff-the-shelf component, such as the MH8182 chip.

With reference to FIG. 20, which is a functional block diagram ofcertain components of the illuminated sign 450 of FIG. 16, the powermanagement module 506 is operatively connected to the solar panels 500,the rechargeable battery 496, and the LEDs 486 (illustrated as LED₁through LED_(N)). The power management module 506 controls charging ofthe rechargeable battery 496, receiving power from the solar panels 500when sunlight impinges upon the solar panels 500 and directing thatpower to the rechargeable battery 496 for recharging. The powermanagement module 506 also controls power delivery to the LEDs 486,receiving power from the battery 496 when the level of ambient light islow and directing that power to the LEDs 486 to provide illumination forthe illuminated sign 450.

In some embodiments, the solar panels 500 also act as photosensors,working in conjunction with the power management module 506 to turn theLEDs 486 on and off. For example, the photovoltaic cells comprising eachof the solar panels 500 produce a voltage and supply an electric currentto the power management module 506 when sunlight impinges upon the solarpanels 500. When the power management module 506 is receiving currentfrom the solar panels 500, such as when the level of ambient light ishigh, the power management module 506 maintains the LEDs 486 in an offstate (no illumination). When the power management module 506 is notreceiving current from the solar panels 500, such as when the level ofambient light is low, the power management module 506 maintains the LEDs486 in an on (illuminated) state. In alternative embodiments, theilluminated sign 450 may include a photosensor separate from the solarpanels 500 for turning the LEDs 486 on and off.

The present embodiments may include one or more light thresholds forcontrolling when the LEDs 486 turn on and off. For example, the powermanagement module 506 may turn on the LEDs 486 when the level of ambientlight drops below a first light threshold, and turn off the LEDs 486when the level of ambient light rises above a second light threshold,where the second light threshold is higher (brighter) than the firstlight threshold. Using first and second light thresholds avoids rapidon/off cycling of the LEDs 486 during periods when the ambient light isclose to either of the thresholds. In some embodiments, the level ofcurrent from the solar panels 500 and received by the power managementmodule 506 may be used as a proxy for the level of ambient light. Thus,the power management module 506 may turn on the LEDs 486 when the levelof received current drops below a first current threshold, and turn offthe LEDs 486 when the level of received current rises above a secondcurrent threshold, where the second current threshold is higher than thefirst current threshold.

With further reference to FIG. 19, the illuminated sign 450 may furthercomprise an ON/OFF switch 508. The ON/OFF switch 508 may control whetherthe power management module 506 turns on the LEDs 486 when the level ofambient light is low. For example, if the ON/OFF switch 508 is in the ONposition, then the power management module 506 may turn on the LEDs 486when the level of ambient light drops below the first light threshold.But, if the ON/OFF switch 508 is in the OFF position, then the powermanagement module 506 may not turn on the LEDs 486 even when the levelof ambient light drops below the first light threshold. Similarly, whenthe level of ambient light is below the first light threshold and theLEDs 486 are on, if a user moves the ON/OFF switch 508 from the ONposition to the OFF position, the power management module 506 may turnoff the LEDs 486.

With reference to FIG. 16, the illuminated sign 450 further comprises astake 510. The stake 510 is elongate and tapers down toward a lower end512 such that the stake 510 is configured to be driven into the ground.The stake 510 includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs 514 that extendalong the length of the stake 510 to impart rigidity. In the illustratedembodiment, the stake 510 includes four such ribs 514, and the ribs 514are evenly spaced from one another in the radial direction. Thisconfiguration for the ribs 514 is, however, just one non-limitingexample. The stake 510 further includes a plurality of longitudinallyspaced transverse members 516. In the illustrated embodiment, each ofthe transverse members 516 is shaped substantially as a circular disk,and approximately nine such transverse members 516 are provided with alongitudinal spacing between adjacent members decreasing toward thelower end 512 of the stake 510. This configuration for the transversemembers 516 is, however, just one non-limiting example.

With further reference to FIG. 16, the frame 454 of the illuminated sign450 is supported at an upper end 518 of the stake 510. With reference toFIG. 19, the lower end 520 of the frame 454 includes a tubular member522 that receives the upper end 518 of the stake 510. The upper end 518of the stake 510 includes a locking tab 524 at the end of a cantileveredmember 526, and a front portion 528 of the tubular member 522 includes amating slot 530. When the upper end 518 of the stake 510 is fullyinserted into the tubular member 522 at the lower end 520 of the frame454, the locking tab 524 snaps into the slot 530, as shown in FIG. 17,to secure the stake 510 and the frame 454 to one another.

The illuminated sign 450 may be constructed of any materials that arepreferably durable and suitable for outdoor use. For example, the frontpanel 452, the frame 454, the back cover 456, and/or the stake 510 maycomprise one or more plastics and/or one or more metals.

FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of certain components of anotherembodiment of an illuminated sign 532 for A/V recording andcommunication devices. Similar to the illuminated sign 450 describedabove, the illuminated sign 532 includes the power management module506, the solar panels 500, the rechargeable battery 496, and the LEDs486 (illustrated as LED₁ through LED_(N)). The illuminated sign 532further includes a motion sensor 534. The motion sensor 534 maycomprise, for example, one or more passive infrared (PIR) sensors (notshown), or any other type of motion sensor(s).

The motion sensor 534 is operatively connected to the power managementmodule 506, and may work in conjunction with the power management module506 to turn the LEDs 486 on or off. For example, in some embodiments,the power management module 506 may maintain the LEDs 486 in an offstate (no illumination) even when the level of ambient light is low,such as below the first light threshold described above. When the motionsensor 534 detects motion near the illuminated sign 532, the motionsensor 534 may send a signal to the power management module 506. Inresponse to the signal from the motion sensor 534, the power managementmodule 506 may turn the LEDs 486 on. When the motion is no longerdetected, and/or when a timer expires, the power management module 506may turn the LEDs 486 off. In this manner, the LEDs 486 are onlyilluminated in response to the motion sensor 534 detecting motion. Thisaspect may further enhance the crime deterrent effect of the illuminatedsign 532, because would-be perpetrators may be scared off by the suddenillumination of the illuminated sign 532, which the would-beperpetrators may not have yet seen before the LEDs 486 were turned on.

In still further embodiments, the power management module 506 of theilluminated sign 532 may maintain the LEDs 486 in a low-power state (dimillumination) even when the level of ambient light is low, such as belowthe first light threshold described above. When the motion sensor 534detects motion near the illuminated sign 532, the motion sensor 534 maysend a signal to the power management module 506 to increase the powerto the LEDs 486, thereby causing the LEDs 486 to give off more light.When the motion is no longer detected, and/or when a timer expires, thepower management module 506 may return the LEDs 486 to the low-powerstate. In this manner, the LEDs 486 remain illuminated whenever thelevel of ambient light is low, such as below the first light threshold,but the low-power state of the LEDs 486 conserves battery power incomparison to an embodiment in which the LEDs 486 are always on at ahigh-power state when the level of ambient light is low, such as belowthe first light threshold.

In still further embodiments, the power management module 506 of theilluminated sign 450 or the illuminated sign 532 may control a flashingON/OFF state of the LEDs 486. For example, when the level of ambientlight is low, such as below the first light threshold described above,the power management module 506 may cycle the LEDs 486 throughalternating on and off states. Each of the on and off states may persistfor a preset duration, such as from less than one second to severalseconds or more or several minutes. In some embodiments, the durationsof the on and off states may not be equal to one another. For example,the LED on state may be longer than, or shorter than, the LED off state.

In some embodiments, aspects of the illuminated sign 450, 532 may beconfigurable by the user. For example, the user may be able to configureor control aspects of the light output of the illuminated sign 450, 532,such as light intensity, color, on/off state, etc. In certainembodiments, the user may configure or control these aspects through asoftware application executing on the user's client device 114. Theilluminated sign 450, 532 may include a wireless antenna (not shown),and the user's client device 114 may send wireless signals to theilluminated sign 450, 532 using any suitable wireless protocol, such asWi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, or Bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth LE,BLE, Bluetooth Smart).

In embodiments in which the user may adjust the color output of theilluminated sign 450, 532, the LEDs 486 may comprise LEDs of differentcolors. For example, at least some of the LED PCBs may have surfacemounted on them LEDs of more than one color, such as red, green, and/orblue. By selectively illuminating LEDs of various colors within theilluminated sign 450, 532, the sign 450, 532 may be able to light up ina variety of different colors.

As described above, the present embodiments advantageously provide anilluminated sign that informs those who view it that the area around thesign is within the field of view of one or more A/V recording andcommunication devices. The present illuminated sign thus enhances thedeterrent value of A/V recording and communication devices by makingwould-be perpetrators aware that they are within the view of such A/Vrecording and communication devices. Further, because the present signis illuminated, it is more visible at night, when would-be perpetratorsmight be more likely to commit crimes because they believe that thelower level of ambient light will conceal their actions and/oridentities. But, A/V recording and communication devices such as thatdescribed herein with reference to FIGS. 1-15 include “night vision.”Thus, making would-be perpetrators aware that they are within the viewof such A/V recording and communication devices undermines their beliefthat the lower level of ambient light will conceal their actions and/oridentities, thereby further enhancing the deterrent value of A/Vrecording and communication devices.

In alternative embodiments, the text of the present illuminated sign mayread differently from the example shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and 19, and/orthe overall message conveyed by the present illuminated sign may differfrom that described above. For example, the present illuminated sign mayinclude text and/or a company logo that warns would-be perpetrators thatthe premises is protected by a security/alarm system, but the text maynot state specifically that the area around the sign is within the fieldof view of one or more A/V recording and communication devices. And, infact, embodiments of the present illuminated sign may be used inconnection with security/alarm systems that may or may not include oneor more A/V recording and communication devices. In one exampleembodiment, the present illuminated sign may be used in connection witha security/alarm system that includes at least one camera, and in suchan embodiment the present illuminated sign may include text or anothertype of indicator, such as a graphical representation of a camera, thatwarns would-be perpetrators that they may be on camera. In anotherexample embodiment, the present illuminated sign may be used inconnection with a security system that includes an audible alarm, and insuch an embodiment the present illuminated sign may include text oranother type of indicator, such as a graphical representation of aspeaker, that warns would-be perpetrators that the audio alarm may betriggered if they enter the premises or remain on the premises.

Alternative embodiments of the present illuminated sign may includeadditional features and/or components. For example, the illuminated signmay play audio in response to motion detection, With reference to FIG.22, an embodiment of the illuminated sign 536 that may play audio mayinclude a speaker 538. In the illustrated embodiment, the speaker 538 isoperatively connected to the processor/power management module 506,While not shown in FIG. 22, the illuminated sign 536 may also include anaudio CODEC (COder-DECoder) that converts digital signals from theprocessor 506 into analog audio signals for playback by the speaker 538.

In embodiments of the present illuminated sign 536 that play audio inresponse to motion detection, when the motion sensor 534 detects motionnear the illuminated sign 536, the motion sensor 534 may send a signalto the power management module 506. In response to the signal from themotion sensor 534, the power management module 506 may activate thespeaker 538 to play audio. The audio may comprise, for example, abuzzing, beeping, or siren-type of sound and/or speech. The speech maybe synthesized or may be a recorded human voice, and may warn would-beperpetrators that their activities are being monitored and recorded.This aspect may further enhance the crime deterrent effect of thepresent illuminated sign 536, because would-be perpetrators may bescared off by the sound generated by the speaker 538 and/or by theverbal warnings that their activities are being monitored and recorded.When the motion is no longer detected, and/or when a timer expires, thepower management module 505 may deactivate the speaker 538.

In another example, embodiments of the present illuminated sign may playaudio in response to user intervention. With reference to FIG. 23, anembodiment of the illuminated sign 540 that may play audio may includethe speaker 538 described above and a communication module 542. Thecommunication module 542 may comprise an integrated circuit including aprocessor core, memory, programmable input/output peripherals, and/or awireless antenna. The communication module 542 may be configured to sendand/or receive wireless communication signals. The user may control theactivation of the speaker 538 and/or the illumination of the LEDs 486 bysending wireless signals from any wireless device to the illuminatedsign via the communication module 542. The wireless device may comprise,for example, the client device 114. The wireless signals may be sentusing any suitable wireless protocol, such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11),Bluetooth, or Bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth LE, BLE, Bluetooth Smart),and the wireless signals may be sent directly from the wireless deviceto the illuminated sign 540, or the wireless signals may be sent fromthe wireless device to the illuminated sign 540 via one or more othercomponents, such as a wireless router in the user's network 110 and/orone or more network devices in the network 112.

In another example, embodiments of the present illuminated sign may beintegrated into a home security/alarm system. For example, theembodiment of FIG. 23, which includes the communication module 542, mayreceive wireless signals from a home security/alarm system, and mayflash (via the LEDs 486) and/or play audio (via the speaker 538) inresponse to the received signals.

Any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with any of theother embodiments described herein. For example, the embodiment of FIG.22 may be combined with the embodiment of FIG. 23. Such an embodimentincludes both the motion sensor 534 and the communication module 542,and is therefore well adapted for all of the functionality describedabove with respect to FIGS. 22 and 23.

One aspect of the present embodiments includes the realization that carsspeeding through a neighborhood present a danger to every person in thatneighborhood. Therefore, one way to make neighborhoods safer is byreducing speeding. The present embodiments empower neighborhoodresidents to apply social pressure to problem speeders, therebyencouraging those speeders to alter their speeding behavior. Forexample, some of the present embodiments include a speed detector. Thespeed detector may be a standalone device, or may be integrated intoanother device, such as an illuminated signal device in an A/V recordingand communication system. Speed data from the speed detector, along withimage data (e.g., a photograph and/or a video) of the speeding car, maybe posted to a social network. The social network post may be seen byothers who live in the neighborhood where the photograph and/or video ofthe speeding car was taken. Those persons may then apply pressure to thespeeder, encouraging him or her not to speed through the neighborhoodanymore. Further, the social network post may provide a warning toothers who live in the neighborhood where the photograph and/or video ofthe speeding car was taken, encouraging those people who see the socialnetwork post to be watchful for the speeding car so that they are notendangered by the speeder in the future.

FIG. 24 is a diagram of one embodiment of a system for providing awarning message of a passing vehicle using an illuminated signal deviceand speed detector according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Thesystem 600 may include an illuminated signal device 602 configured toaccess a user's network 606 to connect to a network (Internet/PSTN) 608.In some embodiments, the system 600 may also include an A/V recordingand communication device 604 also configured to access the user'snetwork 606 to connect to the network 608. In various embodiments, theuser's network 606 may be for example a wired and/or wireless network,as described above. In some embodiments, the A/V recording andcommunication device 604, the user's network 606, and the network 608may be similar in structure and/or function to the A/V recording andcommunication device 130 (FIGS. 2-12), the user's network 110, and thenetwork 112 (FIG. 1), respectively.

Typically, the illuminated signal device 602 and/or the A/V recordingand communication device 604 may be placed in an area having a view of aroadway, such that the illuminated signal device 602 and/or the A/Vrecording and communication device 604 are configured to detect passingvehicles and provide a warning message of a passing vehicle to a socialnetwork, as described in further detail below. Further, the illuminatedsignal device 602 and the A/V recording and communication device 604 maybe configured to communicate directly with one another using anysuitable wireless protocol, such as (but not limited to) Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11), Bluetooth, or various Bluetooth low energy modes (e.g.,Bluetooth LE, BLE, Bluetooth Smart). Alternatively, the illuminatedsignal device 602 and the A/V recording and communication device 604 maycommunicate via one or more peripheral components, such as (but notlimited to) a wireless router (not shown) in the user's wireless network606. In addition, the A/V recording and communication device 604 mayinclude a camera that is external to the illuminated signal device 602but configured to work in conjunction with the illuminated signal device602, as further described below.

In further reference to FIG. 24, the system 600 may include a user'sclient device 610 configured to be in network communication with theilluminated signal device 602 and/or the A/V recording and communicationdevice 604. The system 600 may further include a storage device 614 anda backend server 612 in network communication with the illuminatedsignal device 602 and/or the A/V recording and communication device 604for providing a warning message of a passing vehicle to a social network616. In some embodiments, the storage device 614 may be a separatedevice from the backend server 612 (as illustrated) or be an integralcomponent of the backend server 612. In some embodiments, the user'sclient device 610 and the storage device 614 may be similar in structureand/or function to the user's client device 114 and the storage device116 (FIG. 1), respectively. Also in some embodiments, the backend server612 may be similar in structure and/or function to the server 118 and/orthe backend API 120 (FIG. 1).

With further reference to FIG. 24, as further described below, thecomponents of the system 600 may be configured for providing a warningmessage of a passing vehicle to a social network 616. The social network616 may include any social media service or platform that usescomputer-mediated tools that allow participants to create, share, and/orexchange information in virtual communities and/or networks, such as(but not limited to) social networking websites and/or applicationsrunning on participant devices. Non-limiting examples of social networksinclude Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Nextdoor.

In alternative embodiments, a system for providing a warning message ofa passing vehicle may include a speed detector configured to perform atleast some of the same (or similar) functions as the illuminated signaldevice 602. In some embodiments, the speed detector may replace theilluminated signal device 602 within the system 600. Alternatively, thespeed detector may be an additional component to the system 600 forproviding a warning message of a passing vehicle. In addition, the speeddetector may be a standalone device and/or be integrated into any otherdevice. For example, as a standalone device, the speed detector may bemounted on a post and placed in a front yard in view of, or concealedfrom view of, the passing vehicle. In other examples, the speed detectormay be mounted to a structure such as (but not limited to) the user'shome or garage or adhered to a mailbox. Alternatively, the speeddetector may be integrated into a security camera, an A/V recording andcommunication doorbell, and/or an A/V recording and communicationsecurity camera.

FIG. 25 is a diagram of one embodiment of a system for providing awarning message of a passing vehicle using a speed detector according toanother aspect of the present disclosure. The system 601 may include aspeed detector 603 configured to access a user's network 607 to connectto a network (Internet/PSTN) 609. In various embodiments, the user'snetwork 607 may be for example a wired and/or wireless network, asdescribed above. In some embodiments, the system 601 may also include anA/V recording and communication device 605 also configured to access theuser's network 607 to connect to the network 609. In some embodiments,the A/V recording and communication device 605, the user's network 607,and the network 609 may be similar in structure and/or function to theA/V recording and communication device 130 (FIGS. 2-12), the user'snetwork 110, and the network 112 (FIG. 1), respectively.

Typically, the speed detector 603 and/or the A/V recording andcommunication device 605 may be placed in an area having a view of aroadway, such that the speed detector 603 and/or the A/V recording andcommunication device 605 are configured to detect passing vehicles andprovide a warning message of a passing vehicle to a social network, asdescribed in further detail below. Further, the speed detector 603 andthe A/V recording and communication device 605 may be configured tocommunicate directly with one another using any suitable wirelessprotocol, such as (but not limited to) (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, orvarious Bluetooth low energy modes (e.g., Bluetooth LE, BLE, BluetoothSmart). Alternatively, the speed detector 603 and the A/V recording andcommunication device 605 may communicate via one or more peripheralcomponents, such as (but not limited to) a wireless router (not shown)in the user's network 607. In addition, the A/V recording andcommunication device 605 may include a camera that is external to thespeed detector 603 but configured to work in conjunction with the speeddetector 603, as further described below.

In further reference to FIG. 25, the system 601 may include a user'sclient device 611 configured to be in network communication with thespeed detector 603 and/or the A/V recording and communication device605. The system 601 may further include a storage device 615 and abackend server 613 in network communication with the speed detector 603and/or the A/V recording and communication device 605 for providing awarning message of a passing vehicle to a social network 617. Asdiscussed above, the storage device 615 may be a separate device fromthe backend server 613 (as illustrated) or be an integral component ofthe backend server 613. In some embodiments, the user's client device611 and the storage device 615 may be similar in structure and/orfunction to the user's client device 114 and the storage device 116(FIG. 1), respectively. Also in some embodiments, the backend server 613may be similar in structure and/or function to the server 118 and/or thebackend API 120 (FIG. 1).

With further reference to FIG. 25, as further described below, thecomponents of the system 601 may be configured for providing a warningmessage of a passing vehicle to a social network 617. The social network617 may include any social media service or platform that usescomputer-mediated tools that allow participants to create, share, and/orexchange information in virtual communities and/or networks, such as(but not limited to) social networking websites and/or applicationsrunning on participant devices.

FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of theilluminated signal device 602 according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure. The illuminated signal device 602 may include a processingmodule 626 that is operatively connected to a speed detecting module 622and a communication module 624. The processing module may comprise aprocessor 628, a volatile memory 630, and a non-volatile memory 632 thatincludes a speed detecting application 634. The speed detectingapplication 634 may be used to configure the processor 628 to performvarious functions, including (but not limited to) detecting motion of apassing vehicle using the speed detecting module 622, obtaining speeddata 636 of the passing vehicle using the speed detecting module 622,and transmitting the obtained speed data 636 to the backend server 612using the communication module 624, as further discussed below. In someembodiments, the speed detecting module 622 may comprise (but is notlimited to) at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a radar device,or a lidar (light detection and ranging) device. Further, in someembodiments, the communication module 624 may comprise (but is notlimited to) one or more transceivers and/or wireless antennas configuredto transmit and receive wireless signals.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 26, the processing module 626, thespeed detecting module 622, and the communication module 624 arerepresented by separate boxes. The graphical representation depicted inFIG. 26 is, however, merely one example, and is not intended to indicatethat any of the processing module 626, the speed detecting module 622,and/or the communication module 624 are necessarily physically separatefrom one another, although in some embodiments they might be. In otherembodiments, however, the structure and/or functionality of any or allof these components may be combined. For example, either or both of thespeed detecting module 622 and the communication module 624 may includeits own processor, volatile memory, and/or non-volatile memory.

In some embodiments, the illuminated signal device 602 may also comprisea camera 640 that is operatively connected to the processing module 626and configured to obtain image data 638 of the passing vehicle. Theobtained image data 638 may be transmitted to the backend server 612, asfurther discussed below. In addition, the illuminated signal device 602may also include a power source 644 and at least one light emittingelement 642. In some embodiments, the power source 644 may comprise arechargeable battery connected to at least one solar panel 646 forproviding power to the illuminated signal device 602.

FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram of another embodiment of theilluminated signal device 623 according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure. The illuminated signal device 623 may include a processingmodule 627 that is operatively connected to a camera 641, at least onemotion sensor 649, and a communication module 625. The processing modulemay comprise a processor 629, a volatile memory 631, and a non-volatilememory 633 that includes a signal device application 635. The signaldevice application 635 may be used to configure the processor 629 toperform various functions, including (but not limited to) detectingmotion using the camera 641 and/or the motion sensor 649, capturingimage data 639 within a field of view of the camera 641 including (butnot limited to) image data 639 of a person or a passing vehicle, andtransmitting the image data 639 to the backend server 612 using thecommunication module 625, as further discussed below. In someembodiments, the motion sensor 649 may comprise, for example, at leastone passive infrared (PIR) sensor, or any other type of motion sensingdevice. In some embodiments, the camera 641 may comprise, for example, ahigh definition (HD) video camera, such as one capable of capturingimage data 639 at an image display resolution of 720p or better. In someembodiments, the illuminated signal device 623 may comprise variousadditional components such as (but not limited to) a radar device or alidar (light detection and ranging) device. In various embodiments, theilluminated signal device 623 may begin capturing image data 639 usingthe camera 641 when a person, car, or any other object is within thefield of view of the camera 641. For example, in some embodiments, theilluminated signal device 623 may begin capturing image data 639 usingthe camera 641 upon detecting a person, car, or any other object usingthe at least one motion sensor 649, radar device, or lidar device. Insome embodiments, the illuminated signal device 623 may begin capturingimage data 639 using the camera 641 upon detecting a person, car, or anyother object using the camera 641.

In further reference to FIG. 27, the signal device application 635 maybe used to configure the processor 629 to perform various functions,including (but not limited to) connecting the illuminated signal device623 to a client device 610 using processes similar to processes used toconnect an A/V recording and communication doorbell 130 and a user'sclient device 114 (FIG. 16). For example, an object may move into thefield of view of the camera 641 that is detected by the illuminatedsignal device 623 using the camera 641 and/or the motion sensor(s) 649,as described above. In various embodiments, the camera 641 and/or themotion sensor(s) 649 may trigger the communication module 625 to send arequest to a network device, such as (but not limited to) the backendserver 612. The backend server 612 may connect the illuminated signaldevice 623 to the user's client device 610 through the user's network606 and the network 608. In various embodiments, the illuminated signaldevice 623 may capture image data 639 using the camera 641 and streamthe image data 639 to the user's client device 610 using thecommunication module 625. In some embodiments, the illuminated signaldevice 623 may also include a microphone to capture audio data andtransmit the audio data to the user's client device 610 using thecommunication module 625, as described above. In various embodiments,the user may receive a notification prompting the user to either acceptor deny the notification. In many embodiments, the illuminated signaldevice 623 may receive a confirmation from the backend server 613 thatthe user has accepted or denied the notification to connect. If thenotification is accepted, then live image data 639, may be displayed onthe user's client device 610, thereby allowing the user surveillancefrom the perspective of the illuminated signal device 623. In someembodiments where the illuminated signal device includes the microphoneand audio data is also captured, the audio data may be played back onthe user's client device 610, thereby allowing the user additionalsurveillance from the perspective of the illuminated signal device 623.When the user is satisfied, the user may sever the connection, therebyending the communication session. If, however, the user denies thenotification, or ignores the notification and a specified time intervalelapses, then the connection between the illuminated signal device 623and the user's client device 610 may be terminated and the image data639 and/or audio data may be recorded and stored at the backend server612 and/or storage 614, such that the user may view and access the imagedata 639 and/or audio data later at his or her convenience. In someembodiments, the illuminated signal device 623 may be configured torecord image data 639 and/or audio data for a specified period of timein the event the notification is denied or ignored by the user. If sucha time period is set, the illuminated signal device 623 may record datafor that period of time before ceasing operation, thereby ending thecommunication session. In some embodiments, the audio data and/or imagedata 639 may be recorded and stored at the backend server 612 and/orstorage 614 even when the user accepts the notification and the imagedata 639 is viewed on the user's client device 610.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 27, the processing module 627, thecamera 641, and the communication module 625 are represented by separateboxes. The graphical representation depicted in FIG. 27 is, however,merely one example, and is not intended to indicate that any of theprocessing module 627, the camera 641, and/or the communication module625 are necessarily physically separate from one another, although insome embodiments they might be. In other embodiments, however, thestructure and/or functionality of any or all of these components may becombined. For example, either or both of the camera 641 and thecommunication module 625 may include its own processor, volatile memory,and/or non-volatile memory. Further, in some embodiments, thecommunication module 625 may comprise (but is not limited to) one ormore transceivers and/or wireless antennas configured to transmit andreceive wireless signals.

In further reference to FIG. 27, the illuminated signal device 623 mayalso include a power source 645 and at least one light emitting element643. In some embodiments, the power source 645 may comprise arechargeable battery connected to at least one solar panel 647 forproviding power to the illuminated signal device 623. Further, theilluminated signal device 623 may include a front panel and anillumination source, wherein the illumination source is configured toilluminate the front panel to provide a warning that the area adjacentto the illuminated signal device 623 is within a field of view of one ormore A/V recording and communication devices, as further describedabove. For example, in some embodiments, the illumination source maycomprise a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed evenlyabout an interior perimeter of the illuminated signal device 623, asfurther described above. In some embodiments, the illuminated signaldevice 623 may also include a frame configured to at least partiallysurround an outer perimeter of the front panel, as described above.Further, the illuminated signal device 623 may comprise a stakeconfigured to be driven into the ground and configured to providesupport to the frame, as described above. In addition, in someembodiments, the front panel and the frame may comprise an interiorspace that contains and protects components of the illuminated signaldevice 623, as described above.

FIG. 28 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the speeddetector 603 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The speeddetector 603 may include a processing module 656 that is operativelyconnected to a speed detecting module 652 and a communication module654. The processing module may comprise a processor 658, a volatilememory 660, and a non-volatile memory 662 that includes a speeddetecting application 664. The speed detecting application 664 may beused to configure the processor 658 to perform various functions,including (but not limited to) detecting motion of a passing vehicleusing the speed detecting module 652, obtaining speed data 666 of thepassing vehicle using the speed detecting module 652, and transmittingthe obtained speed data 666 to the backend server 613 using thecommunication module 654, as further discussed below. In someembodiments, the speed detecting module 652 may comprise (but is notlimited to) at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a radar device,or a lidar (light detection and ranging) device. Further, in someembodiments, the communication module 654 may comprise (but is notlimited to) one or more transceivers and/or wireless antennas configuredto transmit and receive wireless signals.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 28, the processing module 656, thespeed detecting module 652, and the communication module 654 arerepresented by separate boxes. The graphical representation depicted inFIG. 28 is, however, merely one example, and is not intended to indicatethat any of the processing module 656, the speed detecting module 652,and/or the communication module 654 are necessarily physically separatefrom one another, although in some embodiments they might be. In otherembodiments, however, the structure and/or functionality of any or allof these components may be combined. For example, either or both of thespeed detecting module 652 and the communication module 654 may includeits own processor, volatile memory, and/or non-volatile memory.

In some embodiments, the speed detector 603 may also comprise a camera670 that is operatively connected to the processing module 656 andconfigured to obtain image data 668 of a passing vehicle. The obtainedimage data 668 may be transmitted to the backend server 613, as furtherdiscussed below. In addition, the speed detector 603 may also include apower source 672. In some embodiments, the power source 672 may comprisea rechargeable battery connected to at least one solar panel 674 forproviding power to the speed detector 603.

FIG. 29 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the backendserver 612/613 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Thebackend server 612/613 may include a processor 682, a volatile memory684, and a non-volatile memory 686 that includes a server application688. The server application 688 may be used to configure the processor682 to perform various functions, including (but not limited to)receiving speed data 690 and source identifying data 694 from theilluminated signal device 602, the speed detector 603, and/or the A/Vrecording and communication device 604/605, determining at least onesocial network 616/617 to which to transmit a warning message 696,generating the warning message 696, and transmitting the generatedwarning message 696 to the at least one social network 616/617, asfurther discussed below. In some embodiments, the server application 688may also be used to configure the processor 682 to receive image data692, where the image data 692 may also be used in generating the warningmessage 696, as further discussed below. In addition, the backend server612/613 may also include a network interface 698 for communicating overthe network 608/609 (Internet/PSTN).

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a process 700 at an illuminatedsignal device for providing a warning message of a passing vehicleaccording to an aspect of the present disclosure. Although the followingflowcharts and description discuss the use of an illuminated signaldevice, a speed detector may be used instead of or in conjunction withan illuminated signal device in the following processes. As discussedabove with respect to FIGS. 25-26, an illuminated signal device mayinclude a processing module operatively connected to a speed detectingmodule and a communication module. Further, the present embodiments,including the processes described below, may be performed using thesystem 600 described above, including the illuminated signal device 602,and/or using the system 601 described above, including the speeddetector 603. However, the present embodiments, including the processesdescribed below, are not limited to using the system 600, or theilluminated signal device 602, or the system 601, or the speed detector603.

In reference to FIG. 30, the process 700 may include detecting (blockB702) motion of a passing vehicle and obtaining (block B704) speed dataof the passing vehicle using a speed detecting module. In someembodiments, the speed detecting module may comprise (but is not limitedto) at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a radar device, or alidar (light detection and ranging) device. In some embodiments, thetype and/or format of the speed data may be determined by theconfiguration of the speed detecting module used. For example, speeddata obtained using a PIR sensor may include (but is not limited to)data related to electromagnetic radiation between microwave and redvisible light in the electromagnetic spectrum, and having frequenciesbetween 300 gigahertz and 400 terahertz. Such radiation may includethermal radiation emitted by a passing vehicle. In another example,speed data obtained using a radar device may include (but is not limitedto) data related to distance measurements and changes in frequency ofreturned radar signals caused by the Doppler effect, where the frequencyof the returned signal is proportional to the passing vehicle's speed ofapproach and/or departure. In a further example, speed data obtainedusing a lidar device may include (but is not limited to) data related topulsed laser light, stored time that a pulse reflection reached adetector, elapsed time of flight of a pulsed laser light, distancebetween pulsed laser lights, and/or the difference between pulsedistances.

In further reference to FIG. 30, in some embodiments, the illuminatedsignal device may be configured to provide a warning message of thepassing vehicle only when the speed of the passing vehicle is above athreshold speed. In such embodiments, the process 700 may includedetermining (block B705) whether the obtained speed data indicates thatthe speed of the passing vehicle is greater than the threshold speed,such as by comparing the obtained speed data to the threshold speed. Ifthe indicated speed of the passing vehicle is equal to or less than thethreshold speed, then the process 700 returns to detecting (block B702)motion of another passing vehicle. However, if the obtained speed dataindicates a speed greater than the threshold speed, then the process mayinclude transmitting (block B708) the obtained speed data of the passingvehicle to a backend server over a network using the communicationmodule as further described below. In some embodiments, the thresholdspeed may be set by requesting a speed limit input from a user. In suchembodiments, the user may consider the posted speed limit on the roadwaythat the passing vehicle is travelling and/or an amount of speed thatthe user may consider as inappropriate for the roadway in considerationof the surrounding area and/or neighborhood. In alternative embodiments,the threshold speed may be set by transmitting a request for a speedlimit input using the communication module over the network 112 andreceiving in response a speed limit based upon the geographic locationof the illuminated signal device. In such embodiments, the receivedspeed limit may be the posted speed limit on the roadway correspondingto the geographic location of the illuminated signal device. In furtherembodiments, the threshold speed may be set to a level above thereceived speed limit that a user may consider as inappropriate for theroadway in consideration of the surrounding area and/or neighborhood.

In further reference to FIG. 30, the process 700 may includetransmitting (block B708) the obtained speed data of the passing vehicleover a network to a backend server using the communication module. Thecommunication module may be configured to access the network(Internet/PSTN) using a user's network as described above. In someembodiments, the process 700 may also include obtaining (block B706)image data of a passing vehicle using a camera that may be operativelyconnected to the processing module. In such embodiments, the camera maybe an integral part of the illuminated signal device. If image data isobtained, the process 700 may further include transmitting (block B710)the obtained image data to a backend server using the communicationmodule. In various embodiments, image data may comprise image sensordata such as (but not limited to) exposure values and data regardingpixel values for a particular size grid. Further, image data maycomprise converted image sensor data for standard image file formatssuch as (but not limited to) JPEG, JPEG 2000, TIFF, BMP, or PNG. Inaddition, image data may also comprise data related to video, where suchdata may include (but is not limited to) image sequences, frame rates,and the like. Moreover, image data may include data that is analog,digital, uncompressed, compressed, and/or in vector formats. Image data(and speed data) may take on various forms and formats as appropriate tothe requirements of a specific application in accordance with thepresent embodiments.

While not shown in FIG. 30, the process 700 may include transmittingsource identifying data to the backend server. The source identifyingdata may enable the backend server to determine which of one or moreilluminated signal devices (and/or speed detectors) transmitted thespeed data and/or the image data to the backend server. The backendserver may use the source identifying data to determine one or moresocial networks to which to transmit a warning message about the vehicleassociated with the speed data and/or the image data, as described infurther detail below.

In further embodiments, the illuminated signal device (and/or the speeddetector) may be in network communication with at least one externalcamera. For example, FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a process 720for obtaining image data of a passing vehicle using at least oneexternal camera according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Insome embodiments, the process 720 may be combined with the process 700of FIG. 30. For example, the process 720 may be substituted into theprocess 700 at block B706 and/or block B710.

The process 720 may include an illuminated signal device configured totransmit (block B722) a first command signal to at least one externalcamera to obtain image data of a passing vehicle. In some embodiments,the at least one external camera may be part of another device such as(but not limited to) an A/V recording and communication device or astandalone device. In such embodiments, the illuminated signal deviceand the external camera may be configured to communicate directly usingany suitable wireless protocol, such as (but not limited to) Wi-Fi (WEE802.11), Bluetooth, or various Bluetooth low energy modes (e.g.,Bluetooth LE, BLE, Bluetooth Smart). In addition, the illuminated signaldevice and the external camera may communicate via one or moreperipheral components, such as (but not limited to) a wireless router(not shown) in the user's wireless network. In further reference to FIG.31, the process 720 may include obtaining (block B724) image data of thepassing vehicle using the at least one external camera. In someembodiments, the at least one external camera may be configured todirectly transmit the obtained image data to either the backend serveror to the illuminated signal device upon obtaining the image data. Inadditional embodiments, the at least one external camera may beconfigured to transmit the obtained image data to the backend serverupon receiving a second command signal from the illuminated signaldevice, where the illuminated signal device may transmit the obtainedimage data to the backend server using the communication module asdescribed above.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a process at a backend server forproviding a warning message of a passing vehicle according to an aspectof the present disclosure. The backend server may operate in connectionwith an illuminated signal device, a speed detector, and/or an A/Vrecording and communication device, as described above. The process 730may include the backend server receiving (block B732) speed data of apassing vehicle from an illuminated signal device and/or a speeddetector over a network (Internet/PSTN). In some embodiments, theprocess 730 may also include receiving (block B734) image data of thepassing vehicle from an illuminated signal device and/or a speeddetector obtained using a camera integral with and/or external to theilluminated signal device or the speed detector, respectively. In otherembodiments, the backend server may receive (block B734) image datadirectly from an external camera, such as, but not limited to, anexternal camera of an A/V recording and communication device. Theprocess 740 may also include receiving (block B736) source identifyingdata of the received speed data and/or the image data. In suchembodiments, the backend server receives speed and image data that hasbeen processed and formatted for transmission using a network protocolsuch as (but not limited to) Internet Protocol (IP), TransmissionControl Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), IPv4, IPv5, and/orIPv6. The source identifying data may comprise data from a packet headerand/or data used in the processing and formatting of the speed and/orimage data in a manner well-known in the art.

In further reference to FIG. 32, the process 730 may include generating(block B738) a warning message of a passing vehicle using the receivedspeed data. In some embodiments, the process may also include generating(block B738) the warning message of the passing vehicle using thereceived speed data and image data. The process may further includedetermining (block B740) at least one social network and transmitting(block B742) the generated warning message to the determined at leastone social network.

As described above, a social network may include any social mediaservice or platform that uses computer-mediated tools that allowparticipants to create, share, and/or exchange information in virtualcommunities and/or networks such as (but not limited to) socialnetworking websites and/or various applications running on participantdevices. Non-limiting examples of social networks include Facebook,Twitter, Snapchat, and Nextdoor. While the present embodiments are notlimited to use with any particular social network, or type of socialnetwork, the present embodiments may nevertheless be well adapted foruse with a neighborhood-oriented social network, such as Nextdoor.Nextdoor is a social networking service for neighborhoods. Nextdoorallows users to connect with people who live in their neighborhoodand/or in nearby neighborhoods. Nextdoor differentiates itself fromother social networking services by limiting access to posts to thepeople in the same neighborhood as the poster, or those nearby. Asdescribed above, in some aspects the present embodiments provide awarning message of a passing vehicle. When the warning message is postedto a social networking service for neighborhoods, the post is morelikely to be seen by people who live in the neighborhood where the imageof the passing vehicle was captured. The warning message is thus morelikely to be relevant to these people, both as a warning to those peopleto be watchful for the speeding car in the future, and because thosepeople are more likely to recognize the speeding car, which may help toidentify the driver so that social pressure may be applied to thatperson to stop speeding through the neighborhood.

FIGS. 33-35 are sequence diagrams illustrating embodiments of processesfor providing a warning message of a passing vehicle according tovarious aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 33,the process may include an illuminated signal device and/or speeddetector, a backend server, and at least one social network. In suchembodiments, at a time T₁, the illuminated signal device and/or speeddetector may transmit speed data, image data, and source identifyingdata 750 to the backend server. Prior to transmitting the speed data,image data, and source identifying data 750 to the backend server, theilluminated signal device and/or speed detector may acquire the speeddata using a speed detecting module, and the illuminated signal deviceand/or speed detector may acquire the image data using a camera. Uponreceiving the transmitted data 750 from the illuminated signal deviceand/or speed detector, the backend server may transmit a warning message752 to at least one social network at a time T₂, and the at least onesocial network may receive the transmitted warning message 752 from thebackend server.

In reference to FIG. 34, the process may include an illuminated signaldevice and/or speed detector, an A/V recording and communication device,a backend server, and at least one social network. In such embodiments,at a time T₁, the illuminated signal device and/or speed detector maytransmit a first signal 760 comprising speed data and source identifyingdata to the backend server. Prior to transmitting the first signal 760to the backend server, the illuminated signal device and/or speeddetector may acquire the speed data using a speed detecting module. At atime T₂, the A/V recording and communication device may transmit asecond signal 762 comprising image data and/or source identifying datato the backend server. Prior to transmitting the second signal 762 tothe backend server, the A/V recording and communication device mayacquire the image data using a camera. In some embodiments, time T₂ maybe after time T₁, while in other embodiments time T₂ may substantiallycoincide with time T₁ (e.g., the first signal 760 and the second signal762 may be transmitted at substantially the same time). Upon receivingthe first 760 and second 762 signals, the backend sever may transmit awarning message 764 to at least one social network at a time T₃, and theat least one social network may receive the transmitted warning message764 from the backend server.

In reference to FIG. 35, the process may include an illuminated signaldevice and/or speed detector, an A/V recording and communication device,a backend server, and at least one social network. In such embodiments,at a time T₁, the illuminated signal device and/or speed detector maytransmit speed data 770 to the A/V recording and communication device.Prior to transmitting the speed data to the A/V recording andcommunication device, the illuminated signal device and/or speeddetector may acquire the speed data using a speed detecting module. At alater time T₂, the A/V recording and communication device may transmit acombined signal 772 comprising the received speed data 770, from theilluminated signal device and/or speed detector, image data, and/orsource identifying data to the backend server. Prior to transmitting thecombined signal 772 to the backend server, the A/V recording andcommunication device may acquire the image data using a camera. In someembodiments, the illuminated signal device and/or speed detector may notbe connected to a user's network, and may instead transmit the speeddata to the A/V recording and communication device via any suitablewireless protocol, such as (but not limited to) Bluetooth, or variousBluetooth low energy modes (e.g., Bluetooth LE, BLE, Bluetooth Smart).Upon receiving the transmitted combined signal 772 from the A/Vrecording and communication device, the backend server may transmit awarning message 774 to the at least one social network at a time T₃, andthe at least one social network may receive the transmitted warningmessage 774 from the backend server.

FIG. 36 is a functional block diagram illustrating one embodiment of asystem for providing a warning message of a passing vehicle according toan aspect of the present disclosure. The illuminated signal device 602and/or speed detector 603 (and/or the A/V recording and communicationdevice (not shown)) may transmit speed data, image data, and/or sourceidentifying data to the backend server 612/613 as described above. Afterreceiving the speed data, the image data, and/or the source identifyingdata, the backend server 612/613 may access at least one speed detectingdata structure 780. The speed detecting data structure(s) 780 may storeinformation related to the illuminated signal device 602 and/or thespeed detector 603 and/or the A/V recording and communication device.The speed detecting data structure(s) 780 may further store informationabout a user associated with the illuminated signal device 602 and/orthe speed detector 603 and/or the A/V recording and communicationdevice. As described in further detail below, the information about theuser may include information about one or more social networks and/orone or more social network participant accounts that are to receive thewarning message about the passing vehicle. The speed detecting datastructure 780 may thus be used by the backend server 612/613 todetermine at least one social network to which to transmit the warningmessage and/or at least one social network participant account to whichto post the warning message of the passing vehicle. The backend server612/613 may then transmit the warning message to the at least onedetermined social network and/or post the warning message of the passingvehicle to the determined at least one social network participantaccount.

In some embodiments, the information stored in the speed detecting datastructure(s) 780 comprises information associated with a plurality ofusers and/or a plurality of devices. For example, during a productactivation process, a device (e.g., an illuminated signal device, or aspeed detector, or an A/V recording and communication device) maycommunicate with the backend server 612/613 over the network 608/609 forthe first time. The newly activated device may transmit one or moreidentifiers (e.g., an SSID (service set identifier), a MAC (Media AccessControl) address, etc.) to the backend server 612/613, and the backendserver 612/613 may store the identifier(s) in the speed detecting datastructure(s) 780. Information about the user(s) associated with thedevice being activated, such as the user(s) name, may also be stored inthe speed detecting data structure(s) 780. Other information that may bestored in the speed detecting data structure(s) 780 includes locationinformation, such as where the device being activated is located (e.g.,a street address, GPS coordinates, etc.).

Also during the product activation process, or at any time thereafter,the user may provide information to the backend server 612/613 about oneor more social networks and/or one or more social network participantaccounts. For example, the user may provide information about the user'ssocial network participant account(s), such as login credentials (e.g.,username, password, etc.), and the provided information may be stored inthe speed detecting data structure(s) 780. When the backend server612/613 receives the speed data, the image data, and the sourceidentifying data, as described above with reference to FIGS. 30-32, thebackend server 612/613 may reference the speed detecting datastructure(s) 780, using the provided source identifying data, todetermine where to post the warning message of the passing vehicle. Forexample, the speed detecting data structure(s) 780 may store informationabout one or more social network participant accounts that are toreceive the warning message of the passing vehicle when speed dataand/or image data is received from a device associated with the one ormore social network participant accounts (or from a device associatedwith a user of the one or more social network participant accounts).

FIG. 37 is a functional block diagram of a client device 800 on whichthe present embodiments may be implemented according to various aspectsof the present disclosure. The user's client device 114 described withreference to FIG. 1 may include some or all of the components and/orfunctionality of the client device 800. The client device 800 maycomprise, for example, a smartphone.

With reference to FIG. 37, the client device 800 includes a processor802, a memory 804, a user interface 806, a communication module 808, anda dataport 810. These components are communicatively coupled together byan interconnect bus 812. The processor 802 may include any processorused in smartphones and/or portable computing devices, such as an ARMprocessor (a processor based on the RISC (reduced instruction setcomputer) architecture developed by Advanced RISC Machines (ARM).). Insome embodiments, the processor 802 may include one or more otherprocessors, such as one or more conventional microprocessors, and/or oneor more supplementary co-processors, such as math co-processors.

The memory 804 may include both operating memory, such as random accessmemory (RAM), as well as data storage, such as read-only memory (ROM),hard drives, flash memory, or any other suitable memory/storage element.The memory 804 may include removable memory elements, such as aCompactFlash card, a MultiMediaCard (MMC), and/or a Secure Digital (SD)card. In some embodiments, the memory 804 may comprise a combination ofmagnetic, optical, and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, forexample, RAM, ROM, flash drive, and/or a hard disk or drive. Theprocessor 802 and the memory 804 each may be, for example, locatedentirely within a single device, or may be connected to each other by acommunication medium, such as a USB port, a serial port cable, a coaxialcable, an Ethernet-type cable, a telephone line, a radio frequencytransceiver, or other similar wireless or wired medium or combination ofthe foregoing. For example, the processor 802 may be connected to thememory 804 via the dataport 810.

The user interface 806 may include any user interface or presentationelements suitable for a smartphone and/or a portable computing device,such as a keypad, a display screen, a touchscreen, a microphone, and aspeaker. The communication module 808 is configured to handlecommunication links between the client device 800 and other, externaldevices or receivers, and to route incoming/outgoing data appropriately.For example, inbound data from the dataport 810 may be routed throughthe communication module 808 before being directed to the processor 802,and outbound data from the processor 802 may be routed through thecommunication module 808 before being directed to the dataport 810. Thecommunication module 808 may include one or more transceiver modulescapable of transmitting and receiving data, and using, for example, oneor more protocols and/or technologies, such as GSM, UMTS (3GSM), IS-95(CDMA one), IS-2000 (CDMA 2000), LTE, FDMA, TDMA, W-CDMA, CDMA, OFDMA,Wi-Fi, WiMAX, or any other protocol and/or technology.

The dataport 810 may be any type of connector used for physicallyinterfacing with a smartphone and/or a portable computing device, suchas a mini-USB port or an IPHONE®/IPOD® 30-pin connector or LIGHTNING®connector. In other embodiments, the dataport 810 may include multiplecommunication channels for simultaneous communication with, for example,other processors, servers, and/or client terminals.

The memory 804 may store instructions for communicating with othersystems, such as a computer. The memory 804 may store, for example, aprogram (e.g., computer program code) adapted to direct the processor802 in accordance with the present embodiments. The instructions alsomay include program elements, such as an operating system. Whileexecution of sequences of instructions in the program causes theprocessor 802 to perform the process steps described herein, hard-wiredcircuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with,software/firmware instructions for implementation of the processes ofthe present embodiments. Thus, the present embodiments are not limitedto any specific combination of hardware and software.

FIG. 38 is a functional block diagram of a general-purpose computingsystem on which the present embodiments may be implemented according tovarious aspects of the present disclosure. The computer system 900 maybe embodied in at least one of a personal computer (also referred to asa desktop computer) 900A, a portable computer (also referred to as alaptop or notebook computer) 900B, and/or a server 900C. A server is acomputer program and/or a machine that waits for requests from othermachines or software (clients) and responds to them. A server typicallyprocesses data. The purpose of a server is to share data and/or hardwareand/or software resources among clients. This architecture is called theclient-server model. The clients may run on the same computer or mayconnect to the server over a network. Examples of computing serversinclude database servers, file servers, mail servers, print servers, webservers, game servers, and application servers. The term server may beconstrued broadly to include any computerized process that shares aresource to one or more client processes.

The computer system 900 may execute at least some of the operationsdescribed above. The computer system 900 may include at least oneprocessor 910, memory 920, at least one storage device 930, andinput/output (I/O) devices 940. Some or all of the components 910, 920,930, 940 may be interconnected via a system bus 950. The processor 910may be single- or multi-threaded and may have one or more cores. Theprocessor 910 may execute instructions, such as those stored in thememory 920 and/or in the storage device 930. Information may be receivedand output using one or more I/O devices 940.

The memory 920 may store information, and may be a computer-readablemedium, such as volatile or non-volatile memory. The storage device(s)930 may provide storage for the system 900, and may be acomputer-readable medium. In various aspects, the storage device(s) 930may be a flash memory device, a hard disk device, an optical diskdevice, a tape device, or any other type of storage device.

The I/O devices 940 may provide input/output operations for the system900. The I/O devices 940 may include a keyboard, a pointing device,and/or a microphone. The I/O devices 940 may further include a displayunit for displaying graphical user interfaces, a speaker, and/or aprinter. External data may be stored in one or more accessible externaldatabases 960.

The features of the present embodiments described herein may beimplemented in digital electronic circuitry, and/or in computerhardware, firmware, software, and/or in combinations thereof. Featuresof the present embodiments may be implemented in a computer programproduct tangibly embodied in an information carrier, such as amachine-readable storage device, and/or in a propagated signal, forexecution by a programmable processor. Embodiments of the present methodsteps may be performed by a programmable processor executing a programof instructions to perform functions of the described implementations byoperating on input data and generating output.

The features of the present embodiments described herein may beimplemented in one or more computer programs that are executable on aprogrammable system including at least one programmable processorcoupled to receive data and/or instructions from, and to transmit dataand/or instructions to, a data storage system, at least one inputdevice, and at least one output device. A computer program may include aset of instructions that may be used, directly or indirectly, in acomputer to perform a certain activity or bring about a certain result.A computer program may be written in any form of programming language,including compiled or interpreted languages, and it may be deployed inany form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component,subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.

Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructions mayinclude, for example, both general and special purpose processors,and/or the sole processor or one of multiple processors of any kind ofcomputer. Generally, a processor may receive instructions and/or datafrom a read only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM), or both.Such a computer may include a processor for executing instructions andone or more memories for storing instructions and/or data.

Generally, a computer may also include, or be operatively coupled tocommunicate with, one or more mass storage devices for storing datafiles. Such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disksand/or removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and/or optical disks.Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer programinstructions and/or data may include all forms of non-volatile memory,including for example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM,EEPROM, and flash memory devices, magnetic disks such as internal harddisks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROMdisks. The processor and the memory may be supplemented by, orincorporated in, one or more ASICs (application-specific integratedcircuits).

To provide for interaction with a user, the features of the presentembodiments may be implemented on a computer having a display device,such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displayinginformation to the user. The computer may further include a keyboard, apointing device, such as a mouse or a trackball, and/or a touchscreen bywhich the user may provide input to the computer.

The features of the present embodiments may be implemented in a computersystem that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, and/orthat includes a middleware component, such as an application server oran Internet server, and/or that includes a front-end component, such asa client computer having a graphical user interface (GUI) and/or anInternet browser, or any combination of these. The components of thesystem may be connected by any form or medium of digital datacommunication, such as a communication network. Examples ofcommunication networks may include, for example, a LAN (local areanetwork), a WAN (wide area network), and/or the computers and networksforming the Internet.

The computer system may include clients and servers. A client and servermay be remote from each other and interact through a network, such asthose described herein. The relationship of client and server may ariseby virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers andhaving a client-server relationship to each other.

The above description presents the best mode contemplated for carryingout the present embodiments, and of the manner and process of practicingthem, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable anyperson skilled in the art to which they pertain to practice theseembodiments. The present embodiments are, however, susceptible tomodifications and alternate constructions from those discussed abovethat are fully equivalent. Consequently, the present invention is notlimited to the particular embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, thepresent invention covers all modifications and alternate constructionscoming within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Forexample, the steps in the processes described herein need not beperformed in the same order as they have been presented, and may beperformed in any order(s). Further, steps that have been presented asbeing performed separately may in alternative embodiments be performedconcurrently. Likewise, steps that have been presented as beingperformed concurrently may in alternative embodiments be performedseparately.

What is claimed is:
 1. An illuminated signal device configured forcapturing image data, the device comprising: a camera having a field ofview; a communication module; and a processing module operativelyconnected to the camera and the communication module, the processingmodule comprising: a processor; and a signal device application, whereinthe signal device application configures the processor to: detect motionwithin the field of view of the camera; capture image data in responseto the detected motion; and transmit the image data to a backend serverusing the communication module.
 2. The illuminated signal device ofclaim 1, wherein the signal device application further configures theprocessor to detect the motion using the camera.
 3. The illuminatedsignal device of claim 1, further comprising at least one passiveinfrared (PIR) motion sensor, wherein the at least one motion sensor isoperatively connected to the processing module.
 4. The illuminatedsignal device of claim 3, wherein the signal device application furtherconfigures the processor to detect the motion using the at least onemotion sensor.
 5. The illuminated signal device of claim 3, wherein theat least one motion sensor comprises at least one passive infrared (PIR)sensor.
 6. The illuminated signal device of claim 1, further comprisinga radar device, wherein the radar device is operatively connected to theprocessing module.
 7. The illuminated signal device of claim 6, whereinthe detected motion comprises a passing vehicle, and wherein the signaldevice application further configures the processor to obtain speed dataof the passing vehicle using the radar device.
 8. The illuminated signaldevice of claim 7, wherein the signal device application furtherconfigures the processor to transmit the obtained speed data to thebackend server, using the communication module.
 9. The illuminatedsignal device of claim 8, wherein the signal device application furtherconfigures the processor to compare the obtained speed data to athreshold speed, and to transmit the obtained speed data to the backendserver only when the obtained speed data indicates a speed greater thanthe threshold speed.
 10. The illuminated signal device of claim 9,wherein the threshold speed is set using a speed limit input from auser.
 11. The illuminated signal device of claim 9, wherein thethreshold speed is set using a geographic location of the illuminatedsignal device.
 12. An illuminated signal device for streaming image datato a client device associated with an audio/video (A/V) recording andcommunication device, the illuminated signal device comprising: a powersource configured to provide power to the illuminated signal device; afront panel and an illumination source, wherein the illumination sourceis configured to illuminate the front panel to provide a warning thatthe area adjacent the illuminated signal device is within a field ofview of the A/V recording and communication device; and a frame at leastpartially surrounding a perimeter of the front panel; wherein the frontpanel and the frame comprise an interior space that houses: a camerahaving a field of view; a communication module; and a processing moduleoperatively connected to the camera and the communication module, theprocessing module comprising: a processor; and a signal deviceapplication, wherein the signal device application configures theprocessor to: detect a person to be within the field of view of thecamera; capture image data of the person using the camera; and transmitthe image data to a backend server using the communication module. 13.The illuminated signal device of claim 12, wherein the signal deviceapplication further configures the processor to detect the person to bewithin the field of view of the camera using the camera.
 14. Theilluminated signal device of claim 12, further comprising at least onemotion sensor, wherein the at least one motion sensor is operativelyconnected to the processing module.
 15. The illuminated signal device ofclaim 14, wherein the signal device application further configures theprocessor to detect the person to be within the field of view of thecamera using the at least one motion sensor.
 16. The illuminated signaldevice of claim 14, wherein the at least one motion sensor comprises atleast one passive infrared (PIR) sensor.
 17. The illuminated signaldevice of claim 12, wherein the signal device application furtherconfigures the processor to transmit a request from the illuminatedsignal device to the backend server using the A/V recording andcommunication device, and to connect the illuminated signal device tothe client device associated with the A/V recording and communicationdevice.
 18. The illuminated signal device of claim 17, wherein thesignal device application further configures the processor to receive,from the backend server, a confirmation that a user has accepted therequest to connect the illuminated signal device to the client deviceassociated with the A/V recording and communication device.
 19. Theilluminated signal device of claim 18, wherein the signal deviceapplication further configures the processor to transmit, from theilluminated signal device to the client device, the image data uponreceiving the confirmation that the user has accepted the request toconnect the illuminated signal device to the client device.
 20. Theilluminated signal device of claim 17, wherein the signal deviceapplication further configures the processor to receive, from thebackend server, a confirmation that the user has denied the request toconnect the illuminated signal device to the client device.
 21. Theilluminated signal device of claim 20, wherein the signal deviceapplication further configures the processor to terminate attempts toconnect the illuminated signal device to the client device.
 22. Theilluminated signal device of claim 17, wherein the signal deviceapplication further configures the processor to terminate attempts toconnect the illuminated signal device to the client device after apredetermined time interval.
 23. The illuminated signal device of claim12, wherein the power source comprises at least one rechargeablebattery.
 24. The illuminated signal device of claim 23, furthercomprising at least one solar panel, wherein the at least one solarpanel is configured to charge the at least one rechargeable battery. 25.The illuminated signal device of claim 12, wherein the illuminationsource comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) distributedevenly about an interior perimeter of the illuminated signal device.